Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Voter Turnout 2026 vs 2017: Around 50 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra on Thursday, amid controversy over claims that the ink applied on voters’ fingers could be easily removed.
Speaking after polling concluded at 5.30 pm, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the turnout across the 29 civic bodies ranged between 46 and 50 per cent. An official added that the exact figures would be released later.
Urban voter turnout has always been a weak spot in Maharashtra’s civic elections. To understand what might happen this year, it helps to look back at the landmark 2017 polls. In that election, a fierce rivalry between the then-allies BJP and Shiv Sena – who decided to contest separately – sparked unusual voter enthusiasm.
Maharashtra Municipal Council elections: Voter turnout in 2017 election
Mumbairecorded a turnout of 55.53 per cent, its highest in 25 years, largely because of the heated political atmosphere. Pune too saw around 55.5 per cent voting, showing that people were paying attention to local issues. Nagpur recorded 53.72 per cent, though some parts of the city showed extremely high participation, with zones like Gandhibagh touching over 90 per cent.
The 2026 elections come after a three-year delayduring which many civic bodies were run by administrators instead of elected representatives. This unusual gap has created mixed expectations for tomorrow. On one hand, people frustrated with issues like roads, water supply, and sanitation may be eager to finally make their voices heard. On the other hand, the constant shuffling of alliances – after the splits in both Shiv Sena and NCP – has left some voters confused or disheartened.
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To encourage people to vote, the State Election Commissionhas declared January 15 a public holiday in all polling areas. Mumbai alone now has more than 1.03 crore registered voters, a significant jump from the previous election.
What to expect?
Several factors will influence whether turnout in 2026 can surpass the 2017 numbers. The political field is far more divided now, with more parties and more candidates reaching out to voters, which usually increases local-level mobilisation. Campaigning has also moved heavily online, with parties targeting young first-time voters through digital platforms. At the same time, people’s experiences with major infrastructure projects like the new Metro lines and the Coastal Road may influence how they vote, especially in the suburbs.
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Recent voting patterns in the December 2025 Nagar Panchayat polls showed strong participation in rural and semi-urban areas, where the Mahayuti alliance performed well. But the real test will be in Maharashtra’s major cities – Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Nagpur. The results will be declared on January 16. |
