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New Delhi, January 16: As vote counting continues for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that public trust in the electoral process is weakening.
He shared a media report highlighting voter complaints about indelible ink fading and questioned the role of election authorities.
Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi wrote that the Election Commission gaslighting citizens has led to a collapse of trust in democracy. He further said that “Vote Chori is an anti-national act.”
Early Trends Emerge in BMC Counting
Meanwhile, early trends from the counting of postal ballots show the BJP–Shiv Sena (Mahayuti) alliance leading in around 52 wards.
According to initial data:
- BJP is leading in 35 seats
- Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is ahead in 17 seats
- Shiv Sena (UBT) is leading in 22 seats
- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is ahead in 8 seats
- Congress is leading in 4 seats
However, official results from the State Election Commission and BMC are still awaited.
Voter Turnout and Election Background
Earlier today, the State Election Commissioner announced that the BMC elections recorded a voter turnout of 52.94 per cent.
The civic polls took place after a gap of eight years, making them a major democratic exercise for Mumbai. The previous elections were held in 2017, while the term of former mayor Kishori Pednekar ended in March 2022.
As a result, Mumbai is set to get a new mayor after nearly four years.
Voting Data Highlights
Out of 1,03,44,315 registered voters, a total of 54,76,043 people cast their votes.
The voter breakdown includes:
- 29,23,433 men
- 25,52,359 women
- 251 transgender voters
Although male voters outnumbered women numerically, women recorded a slightly higher turnout percentage.
Exit Polls Indicate Mahayuti Advantage
Meanwhile, exit polls have predicted a clear edge for the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance. The Thackeray brothers’ alliance is expected to finish second, while Congress and its allies may struggle.
In the 2017 BMC elections, the undivided Shiv Sena won 84 seats, while BJP secured 82 seats. Together, they crossed the majority mark of 114 seats.
High Political Stakes
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India’s richest civic body, remains politically crucial. Therefore, the outcome of these elections could shape Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of future polls.
With counting underway, all eyes remain on Mumbai, as allegations, early trends, and exit polls keep the political temperature high.
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