BMC Election 2026 Live: Massive Turnout Amid Confusion Over Voting Slips

Mumbai, Maharashtra:
After a four-year wait, Mumbai residents headed to the polls on Thursday to elect representatives for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Voting is underway for all 227 BMC seats, with 1.03 crore voters expected to cast their ballots. Across Maharashtra, 29 municipal corporations, including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, and Mira-Bhayandar, are also holding elections today.

Crowds at Polling Centers, Voting Slips Missing

Large crowds gathered at polling stations from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but some voters faced difficulty due to missing voting slips, which delayed the process by around five minutes per voter. Director and filmmaker Avinash Gowariker expressed concern over the issue, noting that while the centers were well-prepared, the absence of voting slips caused confusion. Former Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra also reported difficulty locating his booth but praised officials for resolving the issue promptly.

Celebrities Urge Citizens to Vote

Several prominent figures cast their votes and appealed to citizens to participate actively:

• Actress and BJP MP Hema Malini emphasized the importance of voting for a safer, cleaner, and more developed Mumbai.
• Singer Vishal Dadlani urged voters to exercise their rights, stressing that clean air, water, and civic amenities are fundamental responsibilities.
• Actor Nana Patekar traveled from Pune to Mumbai to cast his vote, calling voting a vital civic duty.
• Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar highlighted that voting is a crucial way to express public opinion.

First-time voters also came out in large numbers, with many young citizens emphasizing the importance of good governance and civic facilities in their voting decisions.

Political Stakes and Security Measures

The elections are considered a litmus test for both the ruling Mahayuti alliance led by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and the opposition led by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray attempting a BMC comeback. To ensure a safe and peaceful election, 28,000 police personnel have been deployed in Mumbai, supported by 64,375 election staff.

High-Stakes Betting Market

The BMC election has also triggered intense speculation in betting markets, with an estimated ₹74,000 crore at stake. Analysts suggest that the BJP may secure 95–100 seats, Shiv Sena 45–50, and other opposition parties 20–25 seats, while MNS could win 7–9 seats. However, these figures remain speculative until official results are declared on January 16, 2026.

Political Leaders’ Messages After Voting

• BJP President Amit Satam prayed at Siddhivinayak Temple before voting and encouraged residents to participate in shaping a safe and developed Mumbai.
• Minister Ashish Shelar emphasized the election’s importance for Mumbai’s development and urged voters to defeat parties linked with corruption.

As Mumbai votes in the largest civic election in its history, the city witnesses a vibrant display of democratic participation, civic enthusiasm, and high political stakes, all while officials manage logistical challenges at polling centers.