Exit Polls Signal BJP Edge in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad Civic Polls; Party Tipped as Largest Contender

Pune | Pimpri-Chinchwad: Exit polls for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections indicate a clear advantage for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with projections suggesting the party is set to emerge as the single-largest force in both civic bodies.

Multiple exit polls released after voting point to a fragmented mandate, with the BJP leading the race, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions, Shiv Sena factions, Congress, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) trail behind with varying seat shares.

According to the Saam TV exit poll, the BJP is expected to secure around 70 seats in the 165-member Pune Municipal Corporation, falling short of the majority mark of 83 but remaining the largest party.

Other projections for PMC include:

• NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 55 seats
• NCP (Sharad Pawar faction): 10 seats
• Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction): 10 seats
• Shiv Sena (UBT): 5 seats
• Congress: 10 seats
• MNS: 2 seats

In the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Saam TV predicts the BJP may cross the majority mark of 65 seats, winning approximately 70 seats.

Projected seat distribution in PCMC:

• NCP (both factions combined): 49 seats
• Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction): 5 seats
• Shiv Sena (UBT): 2 seats
• MNS: 2 seats

PRAB Exit Poll Estimates

The Political Research and Analysis Bureau (PRAB) exit poll presents a stronger outlook for the BJP in Pune, projecting the party to secure 93 seats, comfortably surpassing the majority threshold on its own.

PRAB’s PMC projections include:

• BJP: 93 seats
• NCP (both factions): 51 seats
• Congress: 15 seats
• Shiv Sena: 9 seats

For Pimpri-Chinchwad, PRAB predicts a tight contest, with the BJP just missing the majority, projected to win 64 seats.

Other PCMC estimates by PRAB:

• NCP (both factions): 53 seats
• Shiv Sena: 9 seats

Key Takeaway

While final results will determine the actual outcome, exit polls consistently suggest that the BJP holds a commanding position in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections. The projections also indicate a divided opposition, potentially making post-result negotiations and alliances crucial in forming the next municipal administrations.

Official results will be announced tomorrow after the completion of counting.