Mumbai/New Delhi: Voting for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra concluded on Thursday evening (January 15, 2026), with the overall voting percentage in Maharashtra around 50 percent, according to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare. The turnout is higher than that recorded during the 2017 civic polls, officials said.

The counting of votes for the civic polls, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election 2026, will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026.

The spotlight remained firmly on the BMC election, the country’s richest civic body, where polling was held across 227 wards in Mumbai. Mumbai voting percentage reached 41.08 per cent by 3.30 pm, reflecting steady participation as the day progressed.

Polling in Mumbai began at 7.30 am under tight security arrangements and continued until 5.30 pm, officials said.

Data showed that ward no 114 in suburban Bhandup recorded the highest turnout at 53.34 per cent, while ward no 227 in Colaba area in South Mumbai reported the lowest turnout of 15.73 per cent.

Political focus on Mumbai civic battle

The BMC election 2026 has drawn intense political interest, particularly after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray reunited after two decades. Unlike Mumbai’s traditional one-ward-one-corporator system, voters in other municipal corporations across Maharashtra cast multiple votes per ward for the first time under the panel system.

Ink controversy during polling

During the polling process, a controversy emerged over the alleged use of marker ink instead of indelible ink on voters’ fingers. Addressing the issue, SEC said that viral videos claiming the ink could be removed are being examined, and warned of strict action against attempts to spread a “false narrative”.

The Election Commission also clarified that removing ink marks after voting is an offence under election rules.

With voting now concluded, attention has shifted to the BMC exit poll which are expected to be released in the evening. While exit polls offer early trends, officials reiterated that the BMC election 2026 result will be known only after counting on Friday.