BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Leads in Key BMC Election Battle

Preliminary results from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections indicate a strong lead for the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance in 52 wards, outpacing other parties. The elections, closely watched due to a low voter turnout of 52.94%, have concluded after an eight-year hiatus, marking a crucial civic event for Mumbai.

Early leads emerging from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election vote count indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance is ahead in approximately 52 wards, according to preliminary postal ballot data. Official figures from the State Election Commission and the BMC are still pending.

The current count of postal ballots reveals BJP leading in 35 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 17. Meanwhile, the Thackeray brothers' Shiv Sena (UBT) shows a lead in 22 seats, and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray, holds a lead in eight seats. The Congress party has garnered four leads in the early results. The BMC elections reported a voter turnout of 52.94% as revealed by the State Election Commissioner on Friday.

The elections, held after an eight-year gap, are marked by the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance's allegations of irregularities, later dismissed by the State Election Commission. These elections conclude a significant civic exercise for Mumbai, having previously occurred in 2017. With the election completion and subsequent counting, Mumbai anticipates a new mayor after nearly four years.

Among the total 1,03,44,315 registered voters, 54,76,043 participated, with approximately 3.7 lakh more men voting compared to women. Across the 277 wards, 29,23,433 men, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender individuals voted. Exit polls predict a victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, suggesting the Thackeray brothers may finish second, while Congress and its allies have shown a diminished performance.

(With inputs from agencies.)