Maharashtra BMC Elections: High-Profile Voting, Low Turnout Concerns as Polling Continues

Voting is underway across Maharashtra for elections to 29 municipal corporations, with the spotlight firmly on Mumbai and the fiercely contested Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The high-stakes civic polls have drawn participation from top political leaders, business heads, celebrities, and sportspersons, even as concerns over voter turnout and electoral management surfaced during the day.

Polling began at 7.30 am and will continue until 5.30 pm across 893 wards for 2,869 civic seats statewide. As many as 3.48 crore voters are eligible to choose from 15,931 candidates. Mumbai alone accounts for 227 BMC seats, with around 1,700 candidates in the fray. The election is being held after a delay of nearly four years, adding to its political significance. With an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore, the BMC remains India’s richest municipal body.

The contest in Mumbai is being closely watched as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance faces a challenge from the reunited Thackeray cousins — Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray — in a battle that could reshape the city’s political landscape.

Several prominent personalities were seen exercising their franchise through the morning. Actor Akshay Kumar urged citizens to vote in large numbers, calling the election a moment where Mumbaikars hold the “remote control” of the city’s future. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also cast his vote, emphasising the importance of civic participation.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari voted in Nagpur and expressed confidence in a BJP victory, while BJP state president Ravindra Chavan projected optimism about the ruling alliance’s prospects across all 29 municipal corporations. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted voting as a fundamental democratic duty after casting his ballot.

Bollywood figures including Twinkle Khanna, Suniel Shetty, Divya Dutta and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan were also seen at polling booths, urging voters to focus on issues such as pollution, infrastructure, jobs, and civic accountability.

However, early turnout figures painted a subdued picture. In Mumbai, voter turnout stood at just 6.98 per cent till 9.30 am, prompting concern among observers and voters alike. Musician Vishal Dadlani flagged the low public presence at polling stations and criticised repeated delays in holding civic elections, calling the situation troubling for democracy.

Complaints also emerged regarding election procedures. Allegations were raised that the indelible ink applied to voters’ fingers could be easily wiped off. Election officials acknowledged that marker pens used for local body polls can be removed using solvents, noting that the practice has been in place since 2012.

Despite isolated hiccups and concerns, election authorities expect voter participation to improve as the day progresses. The outcome of these civic polls, particularly in Mumbai, is expected to have a significant bearing on Maharashtra’s political equations ahead of future state and national elections.