BJP-Led Mahayuti Holds Edge in Mumbai BMC Exit Polls

In this Special Report, Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor at India Today, analyses the Axis My India exit poll results for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections held on 15th January 2026. Sardesai notes that the 'BJP has a clear edge as per the projected vote share in terms of gender, 40% among males, but it goes up to 44% among women.' The discussion highlights a significant lead for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance among younger voters aged 18-25, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) maintains a slight lead among voters over 60. Sardesai and co-anchor Maria Shakil explore the impact of the 'Ladki Behin' scheme and the consolidation of the BJP vote against a fractured Shiv Sena. The report also addresses the persistent issue of voter apathy in Mumbai, with Sardesai pointing to a 'disconnect' between citizens and corporators amidst concerns over urban decay and infrastructure despite major projects like the coastal road and metro.