Thu Jan 15 22:30:00 UTC 2026: ### BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Poised for Victory in BMC Elections, Exit Polls Indicate

The Story:
Exit polls conducted after the January 15, 2026, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections overwhelmingly predict a significant victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena alliance. The polls foresee a substantial defeat for the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)-NCP (SP) alliance led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. Across various exit polls, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is projected to secure a majority in the 227 wards of Mumbai, solidifying their control over the country’s commercial capital. Similar trends are observed in Pune and Thane, suggesting a widespread shift in political power across Maharashtra.

Key Points:
* Exit polls predict a BJP-Shiv Sena alliance victory in the BMC elections with a projected 131-151 seats and 42% vote share, according to My Axis India.
* The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance is expected to win 58-68 seats with a 32% vote share.
* Saam TV exit polls indicate the BJP could win 84 seats, and Shiv Sena 35 seats in Mumbai.
* In Pune, the BJP is projected to win 70 seats, while the NCP could get 55.
* Thane, a stronghold of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is expected to see the Shiv Sena bag 72 seats and the BJP 26.
* Jubilant Data Studio exit polls anticipate the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to win between 127-155 seats in Mumbai.
* Bollywood stars including Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Shraddha Kapoor cast votes in the BMC polls

Key Takeaways:

  • The exit polls indicate a clear preference for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, suggesting a significant shift in voter sentiment in Mumbai and other key cities.
  • The alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS does not seem to be effectively countering the BJP-Shiv Sena’s dominance.
  • The projections highlight the continued strength of the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra’s urban centers.
  • The results in Thane underscore Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s continued influence in the region.

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