Thane civic polls result 2026 highlights: Mahayuti takes small lead as counting begins in high-voltage contest
First Civilian Test (UBT) for Sena–MNS Alliance
This is Thane’s first municipal election held under the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance, bringing together cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray against the Mahayuti alliance. The ruling coalition is led locally by Deputy Prime Minister Eknath Shinde.
The contest is focused on more than a dozen key seats, including areas traditionally considered strongholds of the indivisible Shiv Sena.
Early Trends: Mahayuti Takes the Lead
According to initial trends, the Mahayuti alliance is leading by 15 seats as counting progresses. Within the alliance, Shinde’s Shiv Sena is ahead with nine seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ahead with six seats.
At this stage, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS are yet to open their accounts. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress is leading with two seats in the early rounds.
Clashes Reported During Voting in Manpada
The polling day witnessed tension in some parts of Thane. A clash broke out in the Manpada area on Thursday evening, prompting police intervention. The incident took place in ward number 3 following a clash between supporters of former mayor Meenakshi Shinde, official Shiv Sena candidate and Independent candidate and Sena rebel Bhushan Bhoir.Why is Thane Politically Important?
The result in Thane has symbolic and political significance for all parties. Thane was the city where the undivided Shiv Sena first came to power, making it a battle of prestige for both sides.
Earlier this week, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray jointly campaigned in Thane, urging voters to oppose what they described as Mahayuti’s (largely BJP-led) effort to marginalize Marathi manoos in Maharashtra.
Vote Percentage in Thane
According to the State Election Commission (SEC), Thane recorded 43.96 per cent voter turnout till 3.30 pm. The overall voting percentage across Maharashtra remained below 50 per cent, officials said.
What Happened in 2017?
The previous civic elections were held in 2017, when the then-united Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Uddhav Thackeray, contested separately despite being allies in the state government. Shiv Sena emerged victorious, winning 67 of 131 seats and forming the municipal corporation on its own. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won 34 seats, while the BJP came third with 23 seats.
As counting continues, Thane is set to become one of the most decisive battlegrounds in Maharashtra’s civic election season.
