BMC Election Results: Thackeray Leads Shinde, MNS Fights Hard in Tense Mumbai

• Counting for BMC general election 2025-26 began on January 16, 2026, across 23 centers in Mumbai.
• Initial trends show Thackeray Sena challenging BJP-Shinde Sena, contrary to exit poll predictions of a Mahayuti majority.
• Thackeray Sena candidates are leading in 22 seats, surpassing Shinde Sena's 11 leads, while BJP leads in 34 seats.
• MNS candidates are leading in 8 seats, indicating a strong performance.
• Congress has opened its account, leading in 5 seats, with Asha Kale winning from Dharavi.

Why It Matters: Thackeray Sena is performing strongly against the BJP-Shinde Sena in the BMC elections, defying exit polls.