Mumbai’s civic election fervor reached new heights today as Bollywood luminaries Nana Patekar, Sanya Malhotra, and Twinkle Khanna stepped out to cast their votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. The trio’s participation underscored the star power influencing Maharashtra’s crucial municipal battle, where over 10 million voters are deciding the fate of 227 wards.
Nana Patekar, the veteran actor known for his gritty roles and political activism, arrived at his polling station in South Mumbai early morning. Flashing a triumphant ‘V’ sign after voting, he urged citizens to prioritize development over caste lines. ‘This is for Mumbai’s future,’ he declared to cheering supporters, highlighting infrastructure woes plaguing the financial capital.
Close on his heels was rising star Sanya Malhotra, fresh from her acclaimed performances, who turned up at a Goregaon booth. The actress, dressed in a simple salwar kameez, emphasized youth involvement. ‘Every vote counts in shaping our city’s roads, water supply, and sanitation,’ she told reporters, reflecting the aspirations of Mumbai’s millennial voters.
Twinkle Khanna, author and producer, cast her ballot in an upscale Bandra polling station. Accompanied by security, she spoke about women’s safety and urban planning. ‘BMC controls our daily lives—let’s choose wisely,’ she said, adding a glamorous touch to the democratic exercise amid tight security arrangements across the city.
The BMC elections, held after a five-year gap, pit Shiv Sena factions against each other, with BJP and Congress vying for influence. Voter turnout crossed 45% by noon, boosted by celebrity endorsements and aggressive campaigning. Analysts predict a fragmented mandate, potentially leading to alliance-driven governance in India’s richest municipal body, managing a budget exceeding Rs 50,000 crore.
As polling continues till 6 PM, the spotlight on these stars reminds us that democracy thrives when icons lead by example. Mumbai watches eagerly for results that could reshape its civic landscape for the next decade.