Mumbai, November 20, 2024:
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Voting for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 began today, with a lackluster turnout of 18.14% recorded by 11 a.m., raising concerns about voter engagement. Mumbai city reported a turnout of just 15.78%, reflecting the slow pace of voting in urban areas.
Polling is being conducted across 288 constituencies, with 4,136 candidates vying for seats. The election pits the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, including Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate enthusiastically, calling elections the “festival of democracy.” Meanwhile, prominent leaders from all parties, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Amit Shah, campaigned vigorously across the state, highlighting the stakes for both alliances in one of India’s wealthiest states.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | November 20, 2024 |
| Total Constituencies | 288 |
| Total Candidates | 4,136 |
| Eligible Voters | 9.7 crore (97 million) |
| Polling Stations | 1,00,186 |
| Major Alliances | Mahayuti (Ruling): BJP + Ajit Pawar-led NCP + Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MVA (Opposition): Congress + Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) + Sharad Pawar-led NCP |
| Turnout by 11 AM | 18.14% |
| Highest Turnout District | Gadchiroli – 30.00% |
| Lowest Turnout District | Nanded – 13.67% |
| Key Urban Areas | – Mumbai City: 15.78% – Mumbai Suburban: 17.99% – Pune: 15.64% – Thane: 16.63% |
| Rural Highlights | – Ratnagiri: 22.93% – Sindhudurg: 20.91% |
| Notable Leaders Voting | – Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) in Bandra East – Aaditya Thackeray (Worli constituency) |
| Celebrity Voters | Kartik Aaryan, Anupam Kher, Gulzar, Meghna Gulzar |
| Controversies | – Allegations of vote manipulation by BJP – Fake AI-generated audio clips targeting MVA leaders |
| Significance | – Tests BJP’s regional alliances and MVA’s strength – High-stakes battle for Maharashtra’s political landscape |
| Voting End Time | 6 PM |
Voter Turnout Across Maharashtra
While some districts like Gadchiroli recorded a relatively high turnout of 30%, urban centers lagged behind. Mumbai Suburban posted 17.99%, Pune 15.64%, and Thane 16.63%. Rural areas showed slightly better participation, with districts like Ratnagiri (22.93%) and Sindhudurg (20.91%) leading.
Key Players and High-Stakes Contest
The election holds immense significance for Maharashtra’s political landscape. Uddhav Thackeray, accompanied by his family, cast his vote in Bandra East, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the “self-respect of Maharashtra.” Thackeray’s son Aaditya is also contesting, seeking re-election from the Worli constituency.
The elections also test the BJP’s regional alliances, as it seeks to retain power with the support of Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. The INDIA bloc, represented by the MVA, hopes to regain ground lost during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Celebrity Voters Encourage Participation
Bollywood stars joined the voting festivities, with actors like Kartik Aaryan, Anupam Kher, and lyricist Gulzar urging citizens to vote. Kher described voting as “cool” and called it the most significant celebration of democracy.
Challenges and Allegations
The elections have not been without controversy. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the BJP of desperation, alleging attempts to manipulate voters with fake audio clips and monetary inducements. Meanwhile, Gulzar criticized the “glamorous promises” being made to lure voters, calling for focus on real issues.
Looking Ahead
With voting set to continue until 6 p.m., political observers are closely watching the turnout, which could significantly impact the final results. The outcome will serve as a litmus test for both alliances and will have far-reaching implications for the state and national political scenario.
Stay tuned for more updates as Maharashtra decides its future.
More Stories
Cryptocurrency Scam: Supriya Sule Denies Allegations, Calls for Transparency Amid Political Storm
Fadnavis vs Owaisi: Tensions Escalate in Poll-Bound Maharashtra with Sharp Exchanges Over ‘Vote Jihad’ and Aurangzeb
BJP Leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Launches Fierce Attack on Congress Leaders, Vows to Oust ‘Corrupt’ Ministers in Jharkhand