Maharashtra Civic Body Elections 2026: Voting Underway Amid High Stakes, Early Glitches and Celebrity Participation

Voting for the Maharashtra civic body elections began on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), marking one of the most closely watched local body polls in the state. The elections are being seen as a crucial political test for major parties ahead of future state and national contests.

Polling commenced at 7:30 am under tight security arrangements, with thousands of police personnel deployed across Mumbai and other key urban centres to ensure a smooth and orderly process. Election officials reported long queues at several polling stations in the early hours, indicating initial voter participation despite cold weather conditions in parts of the state.

Early Voting Trends and Turnout

As per official data, voter turnout in Mumbai stood at 6.98 per cent by 9:30 am, while Thane reported approximately 8 per cent polling during the same period. Authorities stated that turnout is expected to rise steadily as the day progresses, especially during afternoon and evening hours.

The State Election Commission has urged voters to verify their polling booth details in advance, following reports of confusion at certain locations. Officials reiterated that arrangements were made to assist voters facing difficulties in locating their assigned booths.

Leaders and Public Figures Cast Their Votes

Several prominent political leaders and public personalities were seen casting their votes during the morning hours. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis voted in Nagpur along with his family and appealed to citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also cast his vote in Nagpur, describing voting as both a right and a responsibility. He called on citizens to exercise their franchise in large numbers and contribute to strengthening democratic institutions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, along with his family, voted at a polling station in Mumbai’s Bandra area. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray also exercised his voting right in Mumbai.

Several well-known figures from the fields of art, sports, and entertainment participated in the polling process. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, accompanied by his family, cast his vote in Bandra and encouraged voters to make their voices heard through the ballot. Singer Kailash Kher, lyricist Gulzar, actress Twinkle Khanna, and music composer Vishal Dadlani were also among those who voted, many of whom appealed for greater civic participation.

Voter List Issues and Administrative Challenges

Despite extensive preparations, the elections witnessed early administrative challenges. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament Priyanka Chaturvedi reported that her name was missing from the voter list at her usual polling station. She was later directed to an alternative booth, where she successfully cast her vote.

Forest Minister and senior BJP leader Ganesh Naik also faced difficulties while voting, citing discrepancies in polling booth allocation and voter lists. He later attributed the issue to administrative lapses and stressed the need for better coordination to avoid inconvenience to voters.

Election officials acknowledged isolated cases of voter list mismatches and assured that corrective measures were being taken promptly.

Reports of EVM Concerns and Local Incidents

In certain areas, including parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, opposition leaders raised concerns related to electronic voting machines (EVMs), reporting technical irregularities. Election authorities stated that complaints were being examined as per established protocols.

In Nagpur, a BJP candidate sustained injuries during a late-night scuffle ahead of polling day. Police confirmed that a case has been registered and investigations are underway. Senior leaders condemned the incident and appealed for calm, emphasising that elections should remain peaceful and issue-focused.

Security Arrangements Across Mumbai

To ensure a secure voting environment, more than 28,000 police personnel were deployed across Mumbai. This included senior officers, constables, and special units stationed at polling centres and sensitive locations. Officials stated that security planning had been carried out well in advance to prevent any disruption during the voting process.

Political Significance of the Civic Polls

The BMC elections, in particular, carry significant political weight, given the civic body’s control over one of India’s largest municipal budgets. The contest is widely viewed as a measure of public sentiment toward major political parties, including the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and other regional players.

Political analysts note that the outcome of these civic polls could influence alliance dynamics and campaign strategies ahead of upcoming Assembly elections. Issues such as urban infrastructure, public services, transparency, and governance have dominated the campaign discourse.

Appeal to Voters

Election authorities and political leaders alike have continued to appeal to citizens to participate responsibly and verify their polling details before heading to voting centres. Digital platforms such as the National Voter Service Portal and the Election Commission’s Voter Helpline App have been highlighted as useful tools for voters seeking information.

As polling continues throughout the day, officials remain focused on ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process across Maharashtra.