Maharashtra Civic Polls Today: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Face High Stakes Battle

• Elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra are being held today, with Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur in focus.
• The Mahayuti (BJP-led) and the united Thackeray front are locked in a fierce battle for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
• Polling for 2,869 seats across 893 wards will take place from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with vote counting on January 16.
• Key issues include the Mumbai mayoral post, with debates over a 'Marathi' or 'Hindu' mayor, and the Shiv Sena's first BMC election since its 2022 split.
• Over 25,000 police personnel are deployed in Mumbai for security, and various parties have made populist promises, especially for women.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra's 29 civic bodies, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, are voting today in a high-stakes election.