The Indian stock market opened on a positive note following exit polls indicating a decisive victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti in the Mumbai Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. At the start of trading, the NIFTY 50 stood at 25,749.05, while the BSE Sensex climbed 362.37 points (0.43%) to 83,745.08, reflecting investor optimism amid the political forecast.
The Mumbai BMC elections, widely regarded as a key indicator of urban voter sentiment in Maharashtra, witnessed intense contests across the city’s wards. Exit polls suggest that the BJP-led Mahayuti is poised to retain control, signaling continuity in governance in India’s financial capital. Analysts note that a stable BMC administration could boost investor confidence in sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, and civic projects, supporting Mumbai’s growth prospects.
The elections were not without controversy, as allegations surfaced that the ink used on voters’ fingers could be easily removed using acetone—a claim that drew criticism from opposition leaders against the BJP government. With polling concluded, the focus has shifted to exit polls, which offer early insights into voter sentiment.
According to an Axis My India exit poll, the BJP and its allies are preferred across most age groups in Mumbai, although voters aged 61 and above have leaned towards the Shiv Sena (UBT). Another poll conducted by JVC indicates that the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and their allies, is expected to secure 42–45% of the vote share, while the Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP alliance could garner 34–37%.
These projections are based on post-poll voter feedback collected by survey agencies. While exit polls aim to capture public sentiment ahead of official results, their accuracy has historically faced scrutiny. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is projected to achieve a sweeping victory, potentially winning 138 seats in the BMC, whereas the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance is expected to secure around 59 seats. Among Marathi-speaking voters in Mumbai, the preference appears to lean towards the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance.