Fresh trends from the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) vote counting indicate that the BJP-led alliance has widened its lead in the first batch of wards under counting. As per the official counting process, votes are being counted in sets of 46 wards, and the numbers continue to fluctuate as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs are opened. According to the latest update from the first set of 46 wards, the BJP alliance has surged ahead with leads in around 26–27 wards, while the Shiv Sena alliance has slipped to 16. The Congress alliance is leading in four wards, with one seat going to others. These figures represent trends and not final results, as counting is still underway within this batch. Election officials clarified that earlier variations in numbers were due to postal ballot counting, which has now concluded. The current figures are based solely on EVM counts, offering a more accurate picture of ward-wise performance. Across Mumbai and other municipal corporations such as Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Bhiwandi, similar patterns are emerging, with the BJP alliance gaining momentum. Political reactions have also intensified, with BJP leaders expressing confidence that these trends could translate into control of the BMC and the mayor’s post. However, analysts caution that results from subsequent batches of wards could still alter the equation. For now, early trends suggest a clear edge for the BJP alliance as counting progresses.


