Maharashtra Elections 2026: Mumbai Police Tighten Security for BMC Polls

In a democratic setup, voting is needed to elect the government, and hence it is the duty of every citizen. With balanced opinion and consideration for people’s welfare, it is our duty to vote for the right candidate. It is the first duty of the day, and that is why I came here first to stand in line and vote.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Maharashtra Civic Polls Live Updates: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javdekar casts vote

Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javdekar casts his vote at a polling booth in Balshikshan School, Pune, for Maharashtra local body elections.

Polling is underway in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations. However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto. The main political battle remains centred on Mumbai and Pune, where the BJP-led Mahayuti will face the united Thackeray camp, as just ahead of the Civic poll, both parties' Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of Marathi Manus in a high-stakes fight for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the country's richest civic body. The last BMC elections were held in 2017.

We have prayed at the feet of Lord Siddhivinayak, asking him to grant us strength and blessings to build a developed and safe Mumbai in the coming times. May this day be recorded as a historic day for Mumbai. I urge all Mumbaikars to cast their votes in large numbers for a developed and safe Mumbai, and for the protection of future generations.

Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam

The polls are widely viewed as a crucial moment for the Thackeray brothers, who have come together again after two decades, to reassert their legacy as Bal Thackeray’s political heirs and secure their future.

RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat shows inked finger after voting

MNS leader Yashwant Killedar seeks Lord Ganesha’s blessings; predicts Shiv Sena-MNS alliance victory

On BMC elections 2026, MNS leader Yashwant Killedar says, 'I am going to cast my vote, but before doing so, I came here (Shree Siddhivinayak Temple), which I do every time. Before starting any good work, I always seek Bappa's (Lord Ganesha's) blessings, and that's what I've come here to do. In Mumbai, the Shiv Sena-MNS alliance will win, and a Marathi person will be the mayor.'

Actor Akshay Kumar says, 'Today, the voting for BMC is taking place. As Mumbaikars, we have the remote control with us today. I would request all the people of Mumbai to come out in large numbers and cast their votes. If we have to be the real hero of Mumbai, we shouldn't do dialoguebaazi, instead come out and cast our votes...'

Shiv Sena nominees held over clash with BJP

Brothers and Shiv Sena candidates Nitin Patil and Ravi Patil were arrested after an attempt-to-murder FIR was filed following a clash between Sena and BJP workers in Dombivli, which left the husband of BJP candidate Arya Natekar seriously injured. The BJP and Shiv Sena, though allies in the state, are contesting against each other in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections.

If you don’t vote, you lose your right, says Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC urges people to vote in the BMC polls, saying, 'If you don’t vote, you lose your right. This is Mumbai’s most important election since 2017. The Municipal Corporation election matters the most for the city. If you want a pothole-free Mumbai, modern sewage treatment plants, a clean environment, good water supply, and a corruption-free BMC, then come out and vote. Under the Mahayuti leadership, we are confident because of the good work done by our leader. Our aim is to make Mumbai a world-class city and a strong financial and fintech hub for a developed Maharashtra.'

BMC elections 2026 Live: January 15 declared holiday

The Maharashtra government has announced January 15 as a public holiday in areas under the 29 municipal corporations going to polls. Employers have been instructed to provide employees with two to three hours to cast their votes, while schools in all cities will remain closed on the day of polling.

Breaking: Nagpur BJP candidate Bhushan Shinghne attacked

A disturbing incident was reported from Nagpur late on the night before polling, when BJP candidate Bhushan Shingane was allegedly attacked in what is being described as an attempt on his life. Shingane is contesting the election from Ward No. 11 on a BJP ticket.

Cash distribution allegations in Akola

Tension prevailed in Ward No. 15, particularly Sindhi Camp, on Wednesday following allegations of cash distribution. Workers of the BJP and the Shiv Sena (UBT) confronted each other, leading to a brief but tense standoff. Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged BJP activists were distributing money to influence voters. Police rushed to the spot, separating the groups and restoring order. Additional deployment has been made as a precaution.

Rs 50L seized in Akola during nakabandi

The Khadan police on Wednesday seized Rs 50 lakh cash after intercepting a twowheeler during nakabandi. Police recovered a black bag kept near the footrest and a white cloth bag from the vehicle’s dicky, which together contained Rs 50 lakh cash. Based on a tip off, the vehicle was intercepted on the road between the old Paraskar showroom and Nishu Nursery. The rider was identified as Yash Anand Lalwani (27).

Koli unions back 12 candidates

Twelve “official” Koli candidates are contesting in Thursday’s civic elections in Mumbai, including six women. The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti has urged the fishing community to support these candidates, regardless of the political party backing them.

Among the 12, four candidates have been fielded by the Congress, two by the Shiv Sena, and three each by Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP. In addition to these official candidates, a few other Koli community members are also contesting the municipal elections. However, their candidacy is not endorsed by the Machhimar unions, which claim these candidates are being fielded to split votes within the community.

BMC Elections 2026 Live Updates: Special discounts at restaurants & hotels for voters

Voters will be eligible for special discounts of around 10% at select hotels and restaurants participating in the election awareness campaign. The offers are being extended by the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), one of Maharashtra’s largest hospitality bodies, which represents about 8,000 hotels, restaurants, and permit rooms across 65 district-level associations. Another major organisation, HRAWI, representing 3,000 star hotels and bars, has also joined the SVEEP initiative.

Uddhav Thackeray & Raj Thackeray visit Mumbadevi temple

A day before the BMC polls, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray visited Mumbadevi temple on Wednesday. They were accompanied by their wives and children, as well as Sena (UBT) MPs Anil Desai, Sanjay Raut, and Arvind Sawant. The visit to Mumbadevi, revered as the patron goddess of Mumbai, is symbolic as the Thackeray cousins have claimed that they are fighting the election together to 'save' the city.

Making every effort to encourage voters, says returning officer Krishna Jadhav

On BMC Elections, South Mumbai Returning Officer Krishna Jadhav says, 'We have a team in place that will assist senior citizens. They will take them to the voting compound...We encourage voters to come and cast their votes. We are making every effort to ensure this. For women, we have created pink booths. The pink polling station means that all the staff working at that booth will be women. The polling station will be decorated in pink, and the women working at that polling station will also wear pink sarees. So, we have introduced this new activity for the people here.'

BMC Elections 2026 Live: Token-based system introduced to manage last-minute rush

To handle the expected rush during the final hour of polling, election authorities have introduced a token-based system. Voters present at polling stations by 5.30 pm will receive numbered tokens, with the last voter in the queue getting Token No. 1. Entry will then be closed, and tokens will be distributed in reverse order to voters ahead, ensuring all token holders can cast their vote even if polling extends beyond the official closing time.

BMC Elections 2026 Live: Voter demographics and participation

Over 1.03 crore citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC elections, including 55.16 lakh male voters, 48.26 lakh female voters, and 1,099 others. With approximately 1,700 candidates contesting for 227 seats, voter turnout will play a crucial role in shaping the civic landscape and determining the balance of power in the city’s municipal governance.

BMC Elections 2026 Live: Political stakes high

The BMC elections carry significant political importance. The Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, are looking to regain influence following Shiv Sena’s split in 2022, while the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance seeks to consolidate its gains after the ruling Mahayuti’s strong performance in last year’s assembly elections.

Maharashtra Civic Body Elections 2026 Live: Voter-friendly initiatives

South Mumbai Returning Officer Krishna Jadhav outlined measures to make the voting process easier for all citizens. Teams will assist senior citizens to reach polling booths. Special 'pink booths' have been created for women, staffed entirely by female personnel and decorated in pink to ensure a comfortable and secure voting environment.