Mumbai’s civic polls kicked off with a star-studded turnout as Bollywood celebrities Ranbir Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, and Shabana Azmi joined millions of Mumbaikars at the polling booths. ‘Our vote is our power,’ declared Ranbir Kapoor after casting his vote, underscoring the importance of democratic participation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
The BMC elections, one of India’s largest local body polls, cover 227 wards across the financial capital, deciding the fate of over 10,000 candidates from various parties including Shiv Sena, BJP, Congress, and NCP. Voter turnout was brisk in the morning hours despite the humid weather, with long queues forming outside urban polling stations.
Ranbir Kapoor, son of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, arrived at his designated polling station in Bandra, flashing his inked finger to the media. Accompanied by family members, he emphasized how voting shapes the city’s future infrastructure, roads, and public services. ‘Every vote counts in building a better Mumbai,’ he said.
Veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure, known for her iconic roles in the 80s, was seen voting in South Mumbai. The 65-year-old star urged young voters to step out, recalling her own early experiences with democracy. Shabana Azmi, a prominent activist and actress, cast her vote in Bandra and spoke about the need for better waste management and women’s safety in BMC’s agenda.
Political parties have been campaigning aggressively for weeks, promising improved water supply, pothole-free roads, and slum rehabilitation. The elections come at a time when Mumbai faces challenges like flooding, urban overcrowding, and healthcare strains post-pandemic. Exit polls suggest a close contest between Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP alliances.
Celebrity endorsements have added glamour to the polls, drawing attention to key issues. As counting begins tomorrow, the results will determine Mumbai’s governance for the next 2.5 years, impacting 1.2 crore residents. Authorities reported smooth polling with minimal glitches, encouraging higher voter participation.