Mumbai BMC Polls 2026: Voter Turnout Hits 52.94%, Second Highest in 32 Years
Mumbai recorded a significant voter turnout of 52.94 percent in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections held on Thursday. This figure stands as the second highest the city has witnessed in the last 32 years.
Historical Context and Current Polls
The highest turnout in recent history was 55.28 percent, reported in 2017. Before that, the 1992 polls saw a turnout of 49.14 percent. The current election took place after a nine-year gap, including a four-year delay since the last elected body's tenure ended.
Technical glitches affected several polling stations during the voting process. Despite these issues, citizens came out in notable numbers to cast their ballots.
Ward-Wise Turnout Highlights
Most wards in Mumbai achieved a voter turnout exceeding 50 percent. However, three wards in the western suburbs stood out with figures crossing the 60 percent mark.
- Borivali Ward 18: This area recorded the highest turnout at 62.04 percent. A direct contest is underway between Shiv Sena's Sandhya Vipul Doshi and Sadichha More of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
- Dahisar Ward 4: Voter participation reached 60.67 percent here. A three-cornered fight involves Sena's Mangesh Pangare, Sena (UBT) candidate Raju Mulla, and Congress's Rahul Vishwakarma.
- Borivali Ward 9: This ward saw a turnout of 60.5 percent. Nine candidates are competing, including BJP's Shivanand Shetty, Sanjay Bhosale from Sena (UBT), and Sadanand Chauhan from Congress.
Lowest Turnout Areas
In contrast, some wards in South Mumbai reported lower participation rates.
- Kalbadevi Ward 222: The lowest turnout of 38.21 percent was recorded here. Six candidates from parties like BJP, Sena (UBT), Congress, Samajwadi Party, and AAP are in the fray.
- Pydhonie Ward 219: This area had a turnout of 42.67 percent, with four candidates contesting from Sena (UBT), BJP, and Congress.
- Kalbadevi Ward 220: Voter participation stood at 42.71 percent, where seven candidates are competing.
The election results are scheduled for announcement on Friday, determining the new civic leadership for Mumbai.
