MUMBAI: Riding on what it described as “positive voter response” across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the BJP-led Mahayuti on Thursday struck a confident note after polling concluded for municipal corporations across Maharashtra, projecting a strong performance not just in the financial capital but in urban bodies statewide.With counting scheduled on Friday, Mahayuti leaders said turnout patterns in Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar and Navi Mumbai indicated consolidation of support in favour of the ruling alliance. BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) claimed that development work and governance stability had resonated with urban voters. “The mood on the ground in Mumbai and MMR is clearly in our favour. People have voted for development and a decisive mandate,” asenior BJP functionary said.
Polling, which began at 7.30 am, concluded at 5.30 pm in 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Kalyan-Dombivli. Interim turnout estimates ranged between 41% and 50%.In Mumbai, Mahayuti leaders asserted that the alliance was well placed to emerge as the single largest bloc in the BMC, citing steady turnout through the day and improved voting in middleclass pockets, especially those with redevelopment projects. Similar confidence was expressed for Thane, KalyanDombivli and Mira-Bhayander, where the alliance expects to build on its existing strength.Mahayuti leaders also projected gains in Pune, PimpriChinchwad, Nashik, Nagpur, Solapur and Kolhapur. BJP leaders said higher voting in several wards and peaceful polling reflected voter approval of infrastructure projects, road works and welfare schemes implemented over the past few years.CM Devendra Fadnavis, after casting his vote, said the civic polls would reaffirm public trust in the Mahayuti govt. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment, stating that voters had “decided in favour of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance” across civic bodies. The alliance dismissed opposition allegations of irregularities, calling them “anticipatory excuses ahead of results”.Election officials said adequate security arrangements were in place and voting was conducted in a free and fair manner barring isolated complaints of minor skirmishes and technical glitches reported from a few towns.Complaints received during the day were being examined as per due process, the commission said, adding that final turnout figures would be released after consolidation of data from all polling centres.
