BMC Elections 2026: Divya Dutta flags pollution as major issue, urges Mumbaikars to vote for the right leaders

Actress Divya Dutta was one of the many celebrities to cast her vote early in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Calling it both a right and a responsibility, the Chhaava actor urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.

Talking to the media after casting her vote, Divya said, "I appeal to everyone to exercise their right to vote. In a democracy, it’s essential that our voices reach leaders and are heard. Pollution is a key issue, and the right leaders will listen and act. People often think today is a holiday, but schools are closed for some reason – everyone should come out and vote." (sic)

The municipal corporation elections across 29 districts in Maharashtra began this morning.

These elections are crucial for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The BJP and Shiv Sena are fighting the elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune, while the NCP is standing alone in most of the corporations.

As per the state Election Commission, 3.48 crore voters are eligible to participate in the election, where 15,908 candidates are competing for 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations. A total of 39,092 polling booths have been arranged across the state.

According to the State Election Commission, 3.48 crore voters are eligible to take part in the elections, with 15,908 candidates vying for 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations. The state has set up 39,092 polling booths to facilitate the voting process.