The voting for elections in 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra started on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, which is a very important political event in the state. The civic elections are being watched very closely, with Mumbai being identified as the largest battleground in these elections. Being the largest civic body in India, with a lot of vested wealth, the control of BMC is a very important factor.
The contest in Mumbai has become even more intense as the Mahayuti alliance led by the BJP finds itself challenged by the reunited Thackeray cousins. Thus, the BMC election in the city has become a prestige contest for both sides. The campaign in the city centered on crucial matters such as development, transport, and slums and sanitation in the city. Rallies and other campaigning programs were conducted by leaders of principal political parties in the city prior to the election.
Unlike the situation in Mumbai, where single-member wards exist, other urban local self-governments are today voting for multi-member electoral wards. Such polls will decide the heads of key municipal corporations.
Security has been tightened across polling stations, and election officials reported a steady turnout during the initial hours of voting. Voters were seen lining up early in the day, indicating strong public interest in the civic polls.
The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on January 16, 2026, with results expected to have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of future state and national elections.
