The BMC election day dawned bright with Bollywood heavyweights Ranbir Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, and Shabana Azmi exercising their franchise, reinforcing the message that ‘our vote is our strength.’ Their participation highlights the glamour infused into Mumbai’s crucial municipal battle.
Spanning India’s commercial hub, these polls will elect corporators for 227 wards, influencing policies on housing, transport, and environment for 12 million citizens. Amidst festive enthusiasm, voters braved queues to seal their choices on EVMs.
At a Bandra booth, Ranbir Kapoor arrived in casual attire, casting his vote swiftly before addressing the press. The Animal star stressed civic responsibility, noting BMC’s role in tackling perennial issues like monsoons and solid waste. His call resonated with millennials glued to their screens.
Padmini Kolhapure, celebrated for films like Pyar Jhukta Nahin, voted in posh Malabar Hill area, advocating for heritage preservation amid skyscraper boom. Shabana Azmi, recipient of multiple National Awards, used the occasion to push for inclusive policies benefiting migrants and daily wagers.
Campaign trails were abuzz with promises: BJP eyes ‘double engine’ growth, Shiv Sena pledges Marathi pride, while alliances scramble for independents’ support. The BMC’s Rs 52,619 crore budget makes it a coveted prize, often dubbed India’s richest municipality.
Polling percentage crossed 20% by noon, per EC data, with urban women showing strong presence. Incidents of EVM glitches were swiftly resolved. As stars set the tone, the election outcome could trigger realignments, promising a transformed Mumbai governance model.