Maharashtra, JAN 16 : Counting of votes for the Maharashtra civic body elections commenced on Friday, January 16, with the process beginning at 10 am across multiple counting centres in the state. In Mumbai, vote counting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is underway at 23 centres, covering all 227 wards.
Election authorities said the counting process is being conducted under strict Election Commission guidelines, with elaborate security arrangements in place. Only authorised candidates, their representatives and accredited media personnel have been permitted inside the counting premises.
Officials confirmed that counting for the BMC polls is being supervised by 23 Returning Officers, and results will be declared in phases as tabulation progresses through the day. Visuals have emerged from several counting centres, including Mumbai’s Worli area, as officials began opening Electronic Voting Machines and ballot boxes.
The BMC election has emerged as a high-profile political battle, with the BJP–Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) led Mahayuti locked in a direct contest against the alliance of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). In several cities, local alliances, independents and smaller parties are also expected to play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.
Exit polls aired after voting concluded on Thursday have projected an advantage for the BJP-led Mahayuti in the civic body elections, including the BMC. Surveys conducted by Lokshahi, Rudra Research and Times Now suggested the alliance could secure a majority in the 227 member civic body, potentially ending nearly 25 years of uninterrupted rule by the undivided Shiv Sena.
However, leaders from opposition parties have cautioned against relying on exit poll projections, stating that the final outcome will only be clear once counting concludes later in the day.