BMC exit polls predicts majority BJP-Sena alliance, flop show by Thackerays

The BJP-Shiv Sena combine is likely to win the high-stakes battle for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with most exit polls predicting that the alliance would secure more than 130 wards in Asia's richest civic body. While the Axis My India exit poll predicted 131-151 seats for the BJP-Shiv Sena combine, JVC forecast 138 wards for the alliance.

The fiercely fought elections, being held after 2017, were marked by changing alliances, tactical collaborations, and a battle for Marathi



pride. However, past instances have shown that exit poll results must be taken with a pinch of salt.

The reunion of the once-estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, after 20 years is unlikely to pay any dividends, with the Axis My India poll giving it 58-68 seats. The JVC exit poll predicted 59 wards for the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance. The Congress, which stitched a last-minute tie-up with Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), is likely to bag 12-16 seats at best.