Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: Voting Concludes, Exit Polls Favor BJP-Led Alliance in BMC

Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other civic bodies in Maharashtra took place on January 15, 2026, after delays due to legal and administrative issues. Approximately 3.48 crore voters decided the fate of over 15,900 candidates, including 1,700 contesting 227 BMC seats. The BMC, Asia's richest civic body with a budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore, saw a voter turnout around 50%. Exit polls predict a clear majority for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, with the reunited Thackeray factions trailing. Counting is scheduled for January 16 amid heightened security and political significance.