BMC Election Results: BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Predicted to Lead

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, held after an eight-year hiatus, saw the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance predicted to emerge victorious. Despite allegations of misconduct, voter turnout was recorded at 52.94%. Exit polls suggest the alliance may secure a significant lead against competitors, including Congress and the Thackeray brothers' coalition.

Counting for over 200 municipal wards in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commenced at 10 AM on Friday. This election, crucial for India's wealthiest civic body, was held after eight years, and 227 corporators will be elected, from whom the new mayor will be chosen. Back in 2017, the undivided Shiv Sena secured 84 seats out of 227. In alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), they managed to reach the halfway mark with 114 seats, the BJP contributing 82 of those.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) at the time won 9 seats, while Congress managed 31. According to the State Election Commissioner (SEC), this year's voter turnout was 52.94%, as announced on Friday. Allegations emerged of election misconduct by the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance, but these were dismissed by the SEC. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, and the last elected mayor's term concluded in March 2022. With the elections closed, Mumbai is set to elect a new mayor for the first time in nearly four years.

Data showed Ward 114 had the highest turnout at 65.53%, while Ward 227 recorded the lowest at 20.88%. From a total of 1,03,44,315 registered voters, 54,76,043 cast their votes. Men voted 3.7 lakh more than women, with 29,23,433 men, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender individuals participating. Exit polls predict a win for the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition with Thackeray brothers' alliance trailing second, and Congress struggling. Axis My India forecasts 131-151 seats for the BJP-Shiv Sena, 58-68 seats for the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP, and 12-16 seats for the Congress coalition, with others at 6-12 seats.

BMC polls contested for 227 seats require 114 for a simple majority. Projections suggest a 42% vote share for Mahayuti allies (BJP 28%, Shiv Sena 14%), with the Shiv Sena (UBT) predicted at 24%, MNS at 7%, and NCP (SP) at 1% votes. DV Research projects 107-122 seats for BJP-Shiv Sena, 68-83 for Thackeray brothers, 18-25 for Congress, and others 8-15 seats.