BMC Election Counting Begins: What Is The Majority Mark To Win Asia’s Largest Civic Body?

As the counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections began on Friday- at 10 am, setting the stage for a close political contest in Mumbai. The battle is mainly between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Thackeray-led opposition front, as both sides aim to gain control of Asia's richest civic body.

Vote counting started at 10 am at 23 counting centres across the city. The key question is which party or alliance will cross the majority mark of 114 seats in the 227-member BMC. Polling for all wards was held on January 15.

Heavy Deployment for Smooth Counting Process

To ensure that the counting process runs smoothly and transparently, the BMC has deployed 2,299 officials and staff members. This includes 759 supervisors, 770 assistants and 770 Class IV employees. All personnel involved in the process were given proper training in advance.

Counting is being monitored closely at each centre, and results will be announced once the entire process is completed.

Exit Polls Hint at Mahayuti Advantage

Exit polls have indicated that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance may have an edge in the election. The alliance includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.

According to a JVC exit poll, the Mahayuti alliance could win up to 138 seats, while The Sakal exit poll has projected around 119 seats. Both estimates place the alliance above the 114-seat majority mark required to form the BMC.

Thackeray Alliance Poses Key Challenge

The main challenge to Mahayuti comes from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance. Exit poll projections suggest the bloc may win between 59 and 75 seats, which is short of the majority.

This election has attracted special attention as it marks the reunion of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray after nearly 20 years. Their parties have contested a total of 213 wards together, with Shiv Sena (UBT) fielding candidates in about 160 wards and MNS contesting in 53 wards.

Voter turnout in the BMC elections was recorded at 52.94 per cent, slightly lower than the 55.53 per cent turnout in the 2017 civic polls.

Security and Oversight Arrangements in Place

The BMC has appointed 23 Returning Officers to oversee the vote counting across Mumbai. Strong rooms and counting venues have been approved by the Public Works Department and the police to ensure safety and proper management during the process.

While exit polls suggest a clear advantage for the Mahayuti alliance, the final outcome will be known only after the counting of votes is completed.