Voting has begun for the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with 227 wards in Mumbai deciding the fate of 1,700 candidates. The BJP Mahayuti faces a direct challenge from the reunited Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, in a contest for control of India’s richest civic body, with a budget exceeding ₹74,400 crore.
Mumbai is at the center of Maharashtra’s civic polls as voting begins today for the BMC elections 2026. After a four-year delay, the elections mark a pivotal moment for the city’s governance. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, often called India’s richest civic body, commands an annual budget larger than many state governments, making this contest one of the most politically charged in recent years.
Polling is being conducted across 227 wards, with 114 seats reserved for women. Security has been tightened, with over 28,000 police personnel deployed to ensure smooth voting. The outcome will determine how Mumbai’s civic wealth is managed, directly impacting infrastructure, sanitation, healthcare, and local development.
Key Highlights
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Seats in Contest: 227 wards, 1,700 candidates.
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Budget at Stake: ₹74,400 crore annual civic budget.
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Major Contestants: BJP-led Mahayuti vs. Shiv Sena factions led by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray.
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Security Measures: 28,000+ police personnel deployed across Mumbai.
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Voter Base: Over 1.03 crore citizens eligible to vote.
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Significance: First BMC elections since 2017, delayed by four years.
The results will shape Mumbai’s civic governance and political balance for years to come.
Sources: India Today, Indian Express, Zee News, Mid-Day