Thackeray Family’s 30-Year Hold On Mumbai BMC May End As Exit Polls Favour BJP

Mumbai: Early exit polls from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections held on January 15 in Mumbai indicate that the Thackeray family's nearly three-decade-old stranglehold over the city's most powerful local authority may be broken. According to most of the surveys, the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally, the Mahayuti alliance, seem to be getting a clear lead, which has been challenging the power of Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) for a long time.

How was the voting in Mumbai?

The generally low-enthusiasm turnout in Mumbai was relatively better this time. In 2017, when around 55 percent voting was recorded, this time also around 54-56 percent voting took place, which shows the participation of the voters of the city. However, many voters also complained about problems like their names not being found in the voter list or booths being changed.

What impact did the 'Ink controversy' have on the elections?

The biggest discussion in this election was about the marker pens with which marks were placed on the fingers after voting. Opposition parties alleged that these marks could be erased soon, which could increase the possibility of irregularities even after the voting process is over. This controversy brought the election further into the limelight.

What are the exit polls saying?

Major exit polls estimate that the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) alliance may win around 130 more seats out of the 227 seats, while the Thackeray faction seems to be lagging behind. Congress may win some seats, but there are indications that its numbers will be limited.

What message did the voters give?

The increase in voter participation and concern over the political situation was clearly visible in this election. Difficulties in coming to the booths, ink controversies, and the intensity of the competition seem to have motivated people to vote. If the exit poll trends are correct, the political picture of Mumbai may see a big change in the next five years.

This change in Mumbai politics will not be limited only to the Municipal Corporation, but it can also impact the politics of the state. Now all eyes are on the official results, which will decide whether the city's power truly moves in a new direction or not.