BMC Exit Poll Results 2026 Highlights: Change in counting process may delay results tomorrow, says BMC

For BMC poll results, track LIVE updates here.

For other Maharashtra municipalities, track LIVE updates here.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said Maharashtra has entered an era of "strange relations" where friends and enemies swap roles in the battle for the local body polls.

The ongoing elections have seen the rival NCP factions coming together in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, while there was a post-poll alliance of BJP, Congress and NCP in Ambernath council and that of BJP and AIMIM in Akot. The leadership of both the BJP and Congress, however, said they did not approve of these tie-ups.

"There were no friends, no enemies. Friends became enemies and enemies became friends. And strange relations were formed," Abdullah told reporters while describing the current political atmosphere in the state.

Joining several celebrities, veteran actor Shabana Azmi was spotted exercising her right to vote in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday.

After casting her vote, Shabana proudly flaunted her inked finger and told reporters, "The right to vote comes with a responsibility."

Actors like Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Salim Khan, Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Aamir Khan were also spotted arriving at their respective polling booths in Mumbai to cast their votes.

All exit polls predicted a clear sweep for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, which took place on Thursday, and a defeat of the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

Phase-wise counting of votes in Mumbai, instead of simultaneously across all 227 electoral wards as done in 2017, could delay the declaration of results when the enumeration process begins on Friday morning, civic officials said on Thursday. In a release, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said counting of votes polled in the elections on Thursday will begin at 10 am across 23 centres in the metropolis. As in past elections, the counting of all wards will not start simultaneously - instead, votes from two wards will be counted at a time. This means counting for only 46 wards will begin at 10 am, instead of all 227 wards at once. According to the officials, due to this changed counting process, no trends will be available for all 227 seats as soon as the process begins, unlike in the past. There is a possibility that the results for all seats may be declared very late, they said.

The counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will begin at 10 am tomorrow. The counting process will be conducted at 23 designated centres across Mumbai. Read full report here

The Saam TV exit poll has projected victories for the BJP and its allies in a majority of municipal corporations across Maharashtra.

In Mumbai, the BJP-led alliance is expected to emerge on top. The BJP is also projected to win in Pimpri Chinchwad, Navi Mumbai and Panvel, while in Pune the party is expected to fall short of a clear majority.

According to the exit poll, the BJP, along with the NCP, is likely to secure Ahilyanagar, while the BJP-led alliance is also projected to win in Jalna and Kalyan Dombivli. In Thane, the Shiv Sena–BJP combine is expected to retain control.

The poll suggests a different outcome in some civic bodies. Vasai–Virar is projected to go to the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), while Bhiwandi is expected to be won by the Congress, with other parties together projected to secure around 33 of the 90 seats.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab on Thursday raised concerns over the voting process in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, alleging tampering with the indelible ink used to mark voters.

After casting his vote, Parab expressed his doubts about the ink's quality

Speaking to ANI, Parab said, "This is for the first time, I have never seen the ink vanishing this way. This is a marker... The ink of the election is different, and this marker is different, which can be wiped off... There is definitely some tampering..."

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday clarified that postal ballot boxes will be taken out of the strong room only on the day of counting, January 16, 2026, alongside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), following allegations by former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

This follows a letter in error circulated on January 8, 2026, which was later withdrawn and replaced.

In a press note issued by the BMC's Public Relations Department, the civic body said a letter sent to candidates on January 8 by the Election Decision Officer-21 (Wards 200 to 206) regarding postal ballot papers was inadvertently circulated and later withdrawn. A revised letter has since been issued, correcting the information.

"As per the revised instructions, the postal ballot boxes will not be taken out of the strong room on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 3.00 pm," the BMC said. It added that, in line with the orders of the Maharashtra State Election Commission, the postal ballot boxes will be removed from the strong room only on Friday, January 16, the day scheduled for counting of votes, along with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The civic body further clarified that ward-wise segregation of postal ballots will also be carried out on the counting day itself. Election Decision Officers have informed candidates and their duly authorised representatives to remain present at the specified time during the counting process.

The Sakal exit poll projections showed the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance getting 119 seats.

BJP alliance- 119

Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance- 75

Congress- 20

Around 50 per cent polling was recorded in Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra on Thursday, amid a major controversy over claims that the ink applied on voters' fingers could be easily removed. Speaking shortly after voting ended at 5.30 pm, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the turnout in the 29 civic bodies was in the 46-50 per cent range

Axis My India’s post-poll survey for the Maharashtra civic elections shows the BJP emerging as the single largest party in terms of vote share.

According to the exit poll projections, the BJP has secured 28% of the votes. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is projected to come second with a 24% vote share, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is estimated to receive 14%.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is projected to secure 7% of the votes, while the NCP (SP) is estimated at 1%. The Congress–VBA–RSP combine and other parties are projected to secure 13% vote share each.

Maharashtra Exit poll live: Here is the voter percentage breakdown of the exit poll results:

BJP-Shiv Sena alliance- 42%

Shiv Sena UBT+ -32%

Congress+ -13%

Others- 13%

The Janmatpolls exit poll for the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections has projected a clear lead for the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance, indicating that the ruling combine is likely to retain control of India’s richest civic body.

According to the exit poll, the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance is expected to win 138 seats in the 227-member BMC. The opposition bloc comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and NCP (SP) is projected to secure 62 seats.

According to the JVC exit poll, the BJP is projected to dominate the North zone, which has 42 seats, with an estimated 27–28 seats. The Shiv Sena (SHS) is expected to secure around 7–8 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) may win 4–5 seats. Congress is projected to take 2–3 seats, whereas the MNS and other parties are likely to draw a blank in the region.

The Democracy Times Network exit poll for the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections projects a decisive lead for the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance.

According to the exit poll, the BJP–Shiv Sena combine is expected to win around 142 seats in the 227-member civic body. The Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS–NCP (SP) alliance is projected to secure 58 seats, while the Congress–Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) alliance may win 19 seats. Other parties and independents are likely to account for eight seats.

Exit poll projections for the Maharashtra civic elections indicate an advantage for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

According to JVC exit poll estimates, the BJP-led alliance is projected to secure around 138 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT)-led alliance is expected to win about 59 seats.

Projections for civic body elections to be released at 6.30 pm

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Thursday alleged large-scale misuse of money and power by the ruling BJP-led alliance in the BMC elections, but expressed confidence that her party would emerge victorious.

Speaking to reporters after casting her vote in Dharavi, Gaikwad accused the Mahayuti coalition of indulging in corrupt practices during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

She alleged that cash and goods, including mixer grinders, were distributed openly, but no action was taken against the ruling alliance, which comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP. Congress workers were targeted instead, she claimed.

Voting for elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state, including the Mumbai civic body, concluded on Thursday evening. Votes will be counted on January 16 (Friday).

“Despite adopting all unfair means, the BJP will not succeed. Mumbaiites want clean air, drinking water, freedom from traffic congestion, better healthcare facilities, quality education and an end to corruption in the municipal corporation. They are tired of the BJP alliance’s corrupt governance and want development, not disputes,” Gaikwad said.

Voting concluded for the high-stakes BMC elections in Mumbai, along with polls to 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra, an Election Commission official said.

Actor Janhvi Kapoor was seen leaving a polling booth after casting her vote in the Maharashtra civic elections.

Actor Saumya Tandon, best known for Dhurandhar, faced difficulties while attempting to cast her vote during the Maharashtra municipal elections on Thursday.

Despite checking her voter details online, the actor was forced to visit more than one polling booth after discovering that her name was missing from the voter list at two locations.

Sharing her experience, Tandon said, “I actually went out to vote, and I checked online. There was a booth at the bottom of my house where people were sitting to help me, to tell me about the booth or the place. They told me that I had to come to this location. I took a screenshot online, but when I came here, they are now sending me to some other location because they are saying that your location is showing somewhere else online.”

Actor Ranbir Kapoor urged citizens to participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. After casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai, Ranbir conveyed an important message to citizens via the media.

He said, "It's our job and duty as citizens to come out and vote. Hum poora saal complain karte rehte hain city mein yeh nahi, desh mein woh nahi...so please come and cast your vote. I would also like to thank the BMC. Year after year...be it Ganpati celebrations or elections, they always arrange good facilities."

The voter turnout was recorded at 41.08% in Mumbai till 3:30 pm.

Male — 2327033

Female— 1922500

Others — 180

Total — 4249713

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan cast his vote in the ongoing BMC elections, exercising his franchise in Bandra.

After casting her vote for the BMC elections, actor Shabana Azmi said, "Please cast your vote. The right to vote comes with a responsibility."

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) see 40% voter turnout till 3.30 pm.

Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare on Thursday said viral videos showing people removing ink from their fingers after casting vote are under investigation, warning of action against attempts to spread a false narrative.

Social media was flooded with videos of common voters, politicians and mediapersons using Acetone to wipe off the 'indelible' ink applied with marker pens on their fingers after voting.

On Thursday afternoon, Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan stepped out in the city to cast their votes as Mumbai went to the polls for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections in 2026.

Both Saif and Kareena greeted the paps stationed outside a polling booth.

Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna voted on Thursday afternoon at the ongoing municipal elections in Maharashtra.

Several celebrities were seen voting as polling took place across the state.

After casting his vote, Gaurav Khanna spoke about the importance of voting and said he made a special effort to be present. He shared that even though he was out of Mumbai, he returned only to vote and urged others to do the same.

"I always cast my vote. I was out of Mumbai, but I came back only to vote in the elections. It took me hardly 2 minutes to go inside and cast my vote. I appeal to everyone to come and cast their votes," Gaurav Khanna said while speaking to ANI.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) poll has recorded a voter turnout of 29.96 per cent till 1.30 pm.

Male — 1756149

Female — 1343179

Others 129

Total — 3099457

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson & Shiv Sena Leader Neelam Gorhe said: "I am very happy as I was able to vote for Shiv Sena today in my ward because for the last 20 years, this ward used to be taken by the BJP and we used to get another constituency... A new generation of people will be entering the Pune Municipal Corporation... When it comes to the BMC, I am very confident that the Maha Yuti will be getting the majority.

Actor Rajat Kapoor cast his vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday and was seen proudly displaying his inked finger afterward.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray urged voters to come out in large numbers for the Mumbai civic polls to dislodge the “brutal, fraud, corrupt and dictatorial regime of the BJP”.

Uddhav cast his vote along with his wife Rashmi and son Aaditya in the city’s Bandra East area.

“I urge voters to exercise their right and dislodge the brutal, fraud, corrupt and dictatorial BJP,” Uddhav said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday called for action against the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner, questioning the delay in conducting the state municipal elections.

Uddhav said that it should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid and demanded action against those responsible for the delay in the state municipal polls.

"It should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid. The Mumbai municipal elections are being held after a nine-year gap. What were the Election Commissioner and his staff doing for these years? Action should be taken against them," Uddhav Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The voter turnout percentages for different municipal bodies are as follows:

BMC- 17.73%
Navi Mumbai- 19.68%
Vasai Virar-19.34%
KDMC-17.53%
Thane-19%

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief and Dr B R Ambedkar’s grandson Prakash Ambedkar on Thursday claimed that the Maharashtra civic polls would prove to be a turning point, “ending” the BJP's dominance of the last ten years, PTI reported.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote in Akola along with his wife Anjali Ambedkar, he also said that no single party would gain absolute power in any civic body, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). (PTI)

As voting for the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections got underway on Thursday, social media was flooded with videos of common voters, politicians and mediapersons using Acetone to wipe off the ‘indelible’ ink on their fingers after voting. (PTI)

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: MNS president Raj Thackeray on Thursday cast his vote in the Mumbai civic polls and accused the State Election Commission of bias, claiming the entire administration was being misused by the government to secure victory in the polls.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde says, "This is a part of the flow of democracy. It is essential for everyone to vote to keep this democracy alive, but the kind of arrogance and bullying that is happening within this democracy is very wrong. This will put our democracy in danger. Therefore, everyone needs to take appropriate action on this matter."

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: The voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election 2026 has begun across all 227 wards of Mumbai. Out of these, 114 seats are reserved for women. Voting for 28 other municipalities is also underway.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and leader Aaditya Thackeray arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their votes for the BMC elections.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and his family show their inked fingers after casting their vote for the Maharashtra local body elections.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: I urge you to please take a moment to GO & VOTE and exercise your fundamental duty to strengthen our democracy!

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: MNS chief Raj Thackeray, along with his family, arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote for the BMC elections.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: Mumbai records 7 % turnout until 9:30 am, the election commission of India said.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: On BMC polls, actress Divya Dutta says, "I appeal to everyone to exercise their right to vote. In a democracy, it’s essential that our voices reach leaders and are heard. Pollution is a key issue, and the right leaders will listen and act. People often think today is a holiday, but schools are closed for some reason - everyone should come out and vote."

Maharashtra BMC Elections 2026 LIVE: Lyricist Gulzar casts his vote at the polling station at Pali Hill, Bandra West during the BMC election.

BMC Election 2026 LIVE: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar after casting his vote in the BMC polls highlights the importance of voting.

He says, "Voting is very, very important. Just like we say that every single drop matters, similarly, if you want a particular result, every person must come and vote."