Counting centres in Vasai, Virar and Nalasopara have been secured with multi-layered police deployment to ensure transparency and smooth operations. Surveillance cameras, restricted entry points and senior officials overseeing each section underline the significance of today’s process. The atmosphere inside these centres is tense as every round of counting could shift the balance.This election has brought a record 547 candidates into the contest across 29 prabhags, making it a multi-sided political battle. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, under the leadership of Hitendra Thakur, is aiming to keep its long-standing hold over the corporation, with candidates like Pankaj Thakur among the prominent names.
The Mahayuti alliance of the BJP and Shiv Sena hopes to turn the tide in its favour by highlighting development promises, with candidates like Mahesh Patil and Chandrakant Gorivale actively leading their campaign efforts. On the other side, the Maha Vikas Aghadi – comprising SS-UBT, NCP-SP and Congress – is banking on issues related to urban management and anti-incumbency to gather support. Parties like AIMIM and MNS have also strategically fielded candidates in selective pockets, which could affect the larger parties’ vote shares.Nalasopara East, home to a large migrant population, is crucial for national parties attempting to expand beyond their traditional bases. Voters in this region often prioritise employment, transport and housing over ideological factors. The final results here may show whether national parties succeeded in connecting with a diverse, fast-growing electorate.
Vasai Gaon, rich in heritage and community-driven issues, has emerged as one of the most closely watched battlegrounds. The ward’s outcome typically reflects the mood of old Vasai, where cultural identity and local concerns dominate voter thinking. Parties have invested heavily here, knowing its symbolic value in the overall political narrative. According to the exit poll released by VMJ (Virar Majhi Jaan), the BVA appears set for a comfortable majority in the 115-member civic body. The survey predicts that BVA could win 82 seats, well above the majority mark of 58, positioning the party for a strong return to power in the VVMC.The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and allied parties, is projected to secure 29 seats, trailing far behind the BVA. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to win just 2 seats, reflecting a limited footprint in the Vasai–Virar civic landscape.The exit poll also estimates that other parties and independents may collectively secure 2 seats.