The counting for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Election 2026 is underway today, January 16, 2026, and the trends indicate a decisive win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nagpur, the headquarters of the RSS and the home turf of heavyweights Nitin Gadkari and Devendra Fadnavis, has once again reposed its faith in the ruling party.
As of the latest afternoon trends, the BJP has crossed the majority mark, leaving the Congress trailing significantly despite a spirited campaign. This election was critical as it is the first major civic poll in Vidarbha after the political realignments in Maharashtra.
Here is a detailed report on the live tally, key winners, and the factors behind this result.
NMC Election Result 2026: Live Tally (4:00 PM Update)
The counting began at 10:00 AM across 10 zonal centers in Nagpur. The BJP established an early lead and maintained it throughout the day.
- Total Seats: 151
- Majority Mark: 76
- Current Status: BJP has crossed the majority mark.
| Party / Alliance | Seats Leading/Won (Approx.) | Status |
| BJP | 84+ | Clear Majority |
| Congress | 41 | Opposition |
| Shiv Sena (Shinde) | 8 | Junior Partner |
| BSP | 5 | Retained Pockets |
| NCP (SP) / UBT | 8 | Poor Show |
| Independents | 5 | — |
Key Highlights: The “Fadnavis-Gadkari” Factor Works
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has been under BJP rule for nearly 15 years, and anti-incumbency was expected. However, several factors worked in favor of the BJP:
1. Infrastructure vs. Civic Issues
While the opposition Congress focused on local issues like water logging and EVM glitches (especially in Prabhag 1), the BJP campaigned on the massive infrastructure overhaul—including the Nagpur Metro, concrete roads, and flyovers. The “development” narrative overshadowed the civic complaints.
2. Congress Fights Alone
In a strategic move, the Congress decided to contest independently on all 151 seats, breaking away from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for the local polls. This split the anti-BJP votes between Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (UBT), making it easier for the BJP to sweep multi-member wards.
3. EVM Glitches in North Nagpur
The polling day (January 15) saw controversy in North Nagpur (Prabhag 1), where Congress candidates alleged EVM malfunctions. However, the Election Commission replaced faulty units, and the counting proceeded smoothly today.
Key Winners & Losers
- Winner: Sandeep Joshi (BJP), former Mayor, won his seat comfortably from South-West Nagpur.
- Winner: Virendra ‘Vikky’ Kukreja (BJP) secured a win in a tough battle in North Nagpur.
- Loser: Praful Gudadhe (Congress), a senior leader and Mayoral hopeful, is trailing in a shock upset.
What Happens Next?
With a clear majority of over 84 seats, the BJP is set to elect the new Mayor of Nagpur next month.
- Mayor Election: Since the post is likely reserved for the ‘OBC Category’ this term, the BJP will soon announce its candidate.
- Focus Areas: The new body faces the immediate challenge of the Nag River Pollution Abatement Project, which has been pending for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who won the Nagpur NMC Election 2026?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won the election with a clear majority, leading in over 84 seats out of 151 as of the latest trends.
Q: Did Congress and NCP fight together in Nagpur?
No. In Nagpur, the Congress decided to go solo and contested all 151 seats independently, which led to a split in opposition votes.
Q: How many seats are there in Nagpur Municipal Corporation?
There are a total of 151 seats (corporators) in the NMC general body.
Q: What happened with EVMs in Nagpur?
On polling day (Jan 15), there were reports of EVM malfunctions in Prabhag 1 (North Nagpur). The administration replaced the machines, and voting continued, but it remained a key talking point for the opposition.
Q: Who will be the new May or of Nagpur?
The BJP will decide the new Mayor. Since they have a clear majority, they do not need support from independents or other parties.