08 January,2026 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Anushree Gaikwad
Gen Z demands transparency, better roads, waste management, and governance. Representational Pic
As the city prepares for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election on January 15, a new and increasingly vocal constituency is stepping into the civic spotlight: Gen Z. Young voters, many casting their ballots for the first time, are making it clear that they want tangible improvements in everyday urban life, and not political theatrics.
For 21-year-old Arts graduate Shreyas Patil, civic priorities are straightforward but often overlooked.
Shreyas Patil 21-year-old Arts graduate. (Pic/ Special Arrangement)
"Instead of focusing on minor issues such as detaining college students who smoke, BMC officials should address real problems like repairing roads and maintaining public services," he says.
"It feels like the system is more interested in earning revenue from students rather than looking out for the welfare of Mumbaikars," added Patil.
Recalling his college days in Wadala, he points to a glaring example of misplaced priorities.
"There was a huge pile of garbage near our college that attracted flies and insects. The entire area had a foul stench," he says, adding, "The BMC and Mumbai Police would visit the area - not to clean it up or to make it safer for students, but to nab collegegoers who were smoking. They didn't care about the garbage or the health risks it posed."
Not all young voters, however, feel confident about the power of their vote.
A 22-year-old student from KEM College in Mumbai candidly admits, "How does it even matter if we vote or not?"
The remark reflects a growing sense of disconnect among sections of the youth, underlining the need for stronger civic awareness and engagement ahead of the polls.
Asadullah Chaus, a 20-year-old PR agency executive, echoes similar scepticism. "Gen Z often feels acknowledged only during elections," he tells mid-day.com.Asadullah Chaus, a 20-year-old PR agency executive. (Pic/ Special Arrangement)
"When young people raise real issues or participate in protests, political systems are largely absent. But during elections, the same youth are mobilised through money, optics, and temporary engagement. Many so-called ground workers today are Gen Z, not always driven by belief, but by influence and incentives. This has led to deep scepticism toward performative politics rather than a lack of political awareness," he adds.
For others, leadership and inclusivity matter deeply. Candidates must move beyond political narratives, say Mumbai's first-time voters
Mihir Pawar, 22, believes the new BMC Mayor should serve as a role model for young people.
"The mayor should promote civic sense and unity, not divide people based on religion or language," he says.
Despite doubts among some, many Gen Z voters see the elections as an opportunity to shape Mumbai's future. 21-year-old graduate student Poorva Gaikwad hopes that candidates will move beyond political narratives. "I expect them to focus on real civic issues like roads, cleanliness, water supply, and public transport. As a young voter, I want people to choose representatives based on performance and accountability, leading to better governance and a more liveable Mumbai," she says.
Vaishnavi Patkar, a 21-year-old media student, views the BMC polls as a chance for meaningful, ground-level change. "Gen Z wants transparent governance, better roads, effective waste management, flood control, and safe public transport," explains the mass media graduate.
Vaishnavi Patkar, a 21-year-old media student. (Pic/ Special Arrangement)
"More than promises, we want accountability, digital-first solutions, and leaders who actually listen. Civic politics should focus on everyday urban issues and long-term sustainability, not political narratives," added Patkar.
Adding another dimension, Samiksha Borade, a 22-year-old media student, stresses the importance of opportunity alongside infrastructure. "We want more employment options, skill development, and support for entrepreneurship. At the civic level, we expect cleaner roads, proper waste management, and transparent governance. A well-functioning city directly contributes to a stronger economy and a better quality of life," said Borade.
Taken together, these voices signal a clear generational shift in civic priorities.
While traditional election debates often revolve around party loyalties and rhetoric, Gen Z is focused on outcomes, how effectively leaders manage the city's most pressing challenges.
Flood-prone streets, overcrowded public transport, erratic water supply, and inefficient waste management are daily realities that young voters want addressed. Digital transparency and citizen participation are equally important.
Many young Mumbaikars want civic issues handled openly, with accessible platforms that allow residents to engage directly with decision-makers. In short, they are looking for leaders who don't just promise change, but deliver it.
The BMC Election 2026 is more than a routine civic exercise; it's a test of whether Mumbai's youth feel seen and heard. For Gen Z, the question is simple: will the city's leaders act on their priorities and improve everyday life? For many young voters, this election is a chance to finally make their vote count.
