Maharashtra is voting today, 20 November 2024, with its fate entailing the future decision for the state. The elections for all 288 assembly constituencies mark a crucial chapter in the political map of the state. Altogether, 4,136 candidates are vying for seats – all representing a political party or an alliance.
The polls are scheduled to start at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m., with arrangements made across 1,00,186 polling stations in both urban and rural areas. Here‘s a detailed look at the day‘s key highlights, political dynamics, and citizen participation.
Prime Minister Modi Urges Citizens to Vote
Starting the day was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appealed to voters with an appeal for people to vote in large numbers and celebrate the “festival of democracy.” He said in his message shared on X,
Today, votes will be cast for all the seats of Maharashtra Assembly elections. I urge the voters of the state to be a part of it with full enthusiasm and add to the splendor of the festival of democracy. On this occasion, I appeal to all the youth and women voters to vote in large numbers. ”
Political Dynamics: A Bipolar Contest
This election sees Maharashtra locked in a largely bipolar battle. On one side is the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, and Eknath Shinde‘s Shiv Sena. On the other side is the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an alliance of the Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, and Uddhav Thackeray‘s Shiv Sena faction.
Of the 288, 234 are general and 29 are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 25 for Scheduled Tribes.
Voter Population of Maharashtra
The voter population in Maharashtra is quite large. It has almost 9.7 crore eligible voters in its voter list. These include
4.97 crore males
4.66 crore females
1.85 crore youths in the age group of 18-29
20.93 lakh first-time voters in the age group of 18-19 years.
Polling is taking place at 52,789 places, such as 299 entirely PwD-managed booths.
This snapshot epitomizes the inclusiveness of the state.
Key Highlights of Voting Day
Leaders Vote
A few political leaders, Bollywood celebrities, and popular personalities cast their votes early in the day, reminding everyone that civic responsibility is paramount.
Deputy CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who is also contesting from the Nagpur South-West Assembly seat, cast his vote along with family members in Nagpur. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole exercised his franchise in Mumbai and expressed faith in Maha Vikas Aghadi to form the next government. He rejected allegations against him of being part of a Bitcoin scam, calling them baseless.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal denounced divisive forces and appealed to vote for unity and progress.
Celebrities Take the Polls by Storm
Bollywood stars made an appearance at the poll booths, supporting the democratic exercise.
- John Abraham clicked selfies with fans and posed for photographs before exercising his franchise.
- Farhan Akhtar with sister Zoya Akhtar went live posting their experiences in exercising their vote.
- Suniel Shetty appealed for community responsibility, urging active citizen participation in the growth of Mumbai.
- Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai urged citizens not to cheat their state by abstaining from the right to vote and voiced how candidates should focus on education and development.
Controversy on Election Day
The day hasn‘t been controversy-free or free of clashes.
In Nandgaon, a conflict between Shiv Sena workers and supporters of an independent MLA was sparked to highlight the stakes.
Allegations of money and liquor distribution for securing votes surfaced when Congress leader Nana Patole accused the BJP of distributing money and liquor for voters.
Background to 2024 Elections
Politically Turbulent Five Years
An effective 61.4% turnout in the 2019 assembly elections resulted in a majority for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. However, post-election disagreements broke up the alliance, sending the state into political turmoil.
In the past five years, Maharashtra has experienced three chief ministers: BJP‘s Devendra Fadnavis and both Shiv Sena (UBT)‘s Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (SHS)‘s Eknath Shinde. Splits within both Shiv Sena and NCP add more complexity to the contests of the current elections.
Election: High Political Stakes
This is the litmus test for all significant political players.
For the BJP, a victory here would solidify its position in Maharashtra, considering the not–so–great show in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
For the Maha Vikas Aghadi, this is an opportunity to gain some political traction and prove the strength of the INDIA bloc.
The campaign saw prominent leaders like PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra rally across the state, underlining this one.
Citizen Participation: The Need of the Hour
Citizens of Maharashtra have been asked to go out and vote. As the apt words of actor Suniel Shetty,
“There will be a huge difference if we vote today. Let‘s help the government by doing good work.”
This election will affect the governance of the state for the next five years and will also have a cascade effect on the level of national politics.
In Conclusion
The outcome of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 will be a defining moment for the state, with high voter turnout and intense competition between alliances throwing up these special elections.
The focus now has to rest in ensuring that there is peaceful and fair electoral process, while the onus is now on the voters to exercise their right and make their voices heard in this democratic festival.