Maharashtra is gearing up for a high-stakes electoral battle as all 288 assembly constituencies go to polls in a single phase on November 20, 2024. Voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm, and a dry day will be observed across the state on election day.
The election is a contest between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Mahayuti coalition comprises the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, while the MVA features the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction.
Exit poll predictions will be broadcast after voting concludes at 6:30 pm on November 20, adhering to the Election Commission’s guidelines. Votes will be counted on November 23, 2024, with results expected later that day.
Election Campaign Highlights
The election campaign concluded on November 18, with both alliances heavily promoting their agendas. The BJP-led Mahayuti emphasized welfare schemes like ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ for women, while the opposition MVA focused on social justice, caste-based census, and constitutional protection. The BJP also launched advertisements targeting the MVA, referencing events like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Palghar lynching.
Polarizing slogans and sharp accusations marked the campaign, with the BJP’s “Batenge toh katenge” slogan drawing criticism from the MVA for allegedly dividing voters along religious lines.
Contesting Parties and Seat Distribution
Mahayuti Alliance: BJP (149 seats), Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) (81), NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) (59).
MVA Alliance: Congress (101 seats), Shiv Sena (UBT) (95), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) (86).
Other parties, like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), are also contesting in few constituencies.
Voter Statistics
The number of voters in Maharashtra has increased to 96.37 million, up from 89.4 million in 2019, due to special enrolment drives. The state has over 2 million first-time voters aged 18-19 and 47,716 centenarians. To accommodate the growing electorate, the number of polling booths has also risen to 100,186, compared to 96,654 in 2019.
Poll Code Violations and Seizures
Strict enforcement of the election code of conduct has led to the seizure of over ₹660 crore worth of illegal cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies in Maharashtra. Over 4,000 complaints of poll code violations were registered, with many addressed through the Election Commission’s C-Vigil app.
A Divisive Political Landscape
Since the last elections in 2019, Maharashtra’s political scene has witnessed significant upheavals, including splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP. The Mahayuti government is led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis. The election will test the strength of these new alliances and reshape Maharashtra’s political future.
The stage is set for an intense electoral battle, with results to reveal whether the Mahayuti retains power or the MVA makes a comeback.
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Nov 20, 2024 : 10:09AM
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole sought blessings from his family before casting his vote in the assembly elections. Patole, who is aiming for a third term in the Sakoli constituency, was recently accused by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi of illegally using cryptocurrency funds to manipulate the elections. In response, fellow MVA leader Supriya Sule filed a complaint with the polling body, calling the allegations ‘baseless’.”
Nov 20, 2024 : 10:07AM
NCP leader and candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Nawab Malik, cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai and encouraged voters to participate actively in the assembly elections.
In an interesting turn, Suresh ‘Bullet’ Patil, fielded by the Mahayuti alliance, is contesting against Malik in this constituency.
Malik, despite being an alliance partner, was not a preferred candidate for the BJP and Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.
He had been arrested in 2022 on charges of having links with Dawood Ibrahim, though no charges have been proven. Ajit Pawar has supported Malik’s candidacy for the Shivajinagar seat.
Nov 20, 2024 : 10:04AM
Nov 20, 2024 : 09:56AM
Actor Riteish Deshmukh says, “Maha Vikas Aghadi will form the government in Maharashtra… Both my brothers are set to win.”
Nov 20, 2024 : 09:49AM
Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza cast their votes at a polling station in Latur for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
Nov 20, 2024 : 09:43AM
Maharashtra BJP President and candidate from Kamthi, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, urged the people of Maharashtra to come out and vote in large numbers, stating, “I expect 100% voter turnout today. The elected government will serve the 14 crore people of the state for the next five years. Vinod Tawde is being falsely defamed through malicious tactics. This is a deliberate conspiracy to frame him. The Election Commission will clear all doubts and clarify the matter.”
Nov 20, 2024 : 09:36 AM
Maharashtra recorded an early voter turnout of 6.61% as polling commenced for the assembly elections on Wednesday. Citizens turned up at polling stations across the state in the initial hours, showcasing enthusiasm for the democratic process.
Gadchiroli district reported the highest turnout so far, with an impressive 12.33%, reflecting robust participation in the region. The tribal-dominated district has consistently demonstrated active voter engagement in past elections.
Nov 20, 2024 : 09:26 AM
Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, along with his family, exercised their franchise in Chandrapur during the ongoing assembly elections.
Political leaders from various parties have been arriving early at polling stations, encouraging citizens to turn out in large numbers and participate in the democratic process.
Wadettiwar, the incumbent MLA from Brahmapuri, is contesting against BJP’s Krishnalal Bajirao Sahare in a closely watched electoral battle.
Nov 20,2024 : 09:14AM
Nov 20,2024 : 09:07AM
Actor Sonu Sood leaves a polling booth in Mumbai after casting his vote for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024.
He says, “Voting is everyone’s responsibility. It’s crucial for the country…”
Nov 20,2024 : 09:00AM
NCP(SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule has challenged BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi to prove his allegations of election rigging and engage in a debate with her on the issue.
“Time of his choice, place of his choice, and platform of his choice—I am ready to answer him because all the allegations are completely false,” Sule said, according to ANI.
She further stated that she has filed a criminal defamation case against the BJP MP for his remarks.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:53AM
Zeeshan Siddiqui shared, “This is the first time I’ve come to vote alone. My father, Baba Siddiqui, is no longer with us. It feels different, but it has to be done. I know he is with me. I began my day by visiting the graveyard this morning… I believe everyone should vote.”
Nov 20,2024 : 08:49AM
NCP candidate from Bandra East, Zeeshan Siddiqui, cast his vote for the #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 at a polling booth in Mumbai.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:48AM
MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray, who is contesting from the Mahim assembly constituency, urged voters not to view polling day as merely a holiday, according to news agency PTI.
“I appeal to everyone not to treat this as a day off. Step out and vote; this is for your country, state, and city. I assure you that your vote will not be taken for granted by me,” he stated.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:47AM
Actor Ali Fazal proudly displayed his inked finger after casting his vote for the #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:45AM
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, along with his wife and daughter, cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:45AM
Film director Zoya Akhtar proudly displayed her inked finger after casting her vote for the #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 at a polling booth in Bandra, Mumbai.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:42AM
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari took to social media platform X to urge citizens to participate in the electoral process and uphold democracy.
“Your opinion matters! I appeal to the people of Maharashtra to vote in large numbers for a prosperous and developed Maharashtra. Every vote is crucial to strengthening democracy,” he wrote.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:39 AM
NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule cast her vote in the Baramati assembly constituency, as reported by ANI.
Sule recently faced allegations from a BJP MP, who accused her and Congress state chief Nana Patole of misusing election funds through cryptocurrency to manipulate the polls. Denying the claims, Sule has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and initiated defamation proceedings.
Nov 20,2024 : 08:33 AM
Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan cast his vote at a polling booth in Raj Bhavan, marking his participation by inking his finger. “Ours is the largest democracy in the world. I urge all youngsters, elders, and women to come forward and vote,” Governor Radhakrishnan appealed, encouraging citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
Nov 20, 2024 · 08:07 AM
After casting his vote, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das says, “The arrangements (at the polling station) were very good. I congratulate the Election Commission. The elections are being held in the middle of the week, so everyone is expecting a high voter turnout.”
Nov 20, 2024 · 08:05 AM
Actor Akshay Kumar shows his inked finger after casting his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024.
He says “The arrangements here are very good as I can see that arrangements for senior citizens are very good and cleanliness has been maintained. I want everyone to come out and cast their votes…”
#WATCH | Mumbai: Actor Akshay Kumar shows his inked finger after casting his vote for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024
He says “The arrangements here are very good as I can see that arrangements for senior citizens are very good and cleanliness has been maintained. I want… pic.twitter.com/QXpmDuBKJ7
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 08:02 AM
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024
#WATCH | RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 pic.twitter.com/tQSCdQyEjO
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 08:00 AM
Maharashtra Minister & BJP candidate from Kothrud, Chandrakant Patil says, “…voting percentage should increase…I appeal to people to come and vote. We have also motivated 20-25 NGOs to give some incentives to people that if you vote between 7 am and 11 am we will give things like coffee etc to encourage people to vote…”
On money distribution allegations against Vinod Tawde, he says, “…He cannot do this…”
#WATCH | Pune: Maharashtra Minister & BJP candidate from Kothrud, Chandrakant Patil says, “…voting percentage should increase…I appeal to people to come and vote. We have also motivated 20-25 NGOs to give some incentives to people that if you vote between 7 am and 11 am we… pic.twitter.com/JuGeaZj0f6
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 08:00 AM
Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC’s daughter Shanaya Munot says “She has put up a very good fight. She has always been someone that’s been pro-development…As we see reactions from the ground, the public is showing us their support and I hope people come out and exercise their right to vote…”
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC’s daughter Shanaya Munot says “She has put up a very good fight. She has always been someone that’s been pro-development…As we see reactions from the ground, the public is showing us their support and I… pic.twitter.com/cXSURkdptV
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:59 AM
BMC Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani shows his inked finger after casting his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:56 AM
After casting her vote for Maharashtra Election 2024, actor Gautami Kapoor says, “I feel great. I think casting a vote is amazing. You feel liberated and I think it is very important for every citizen to vote because every vote makes a huge difference. So, please vote…It’s very important, we can change the country.”
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:54 AM
Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC and her daughter Shanaya Munot show their inked fingers after casting their votes for Maharashtra Election 2024.
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:50 AM
NCP-SCP candidate from Baramati Assembly seat, Yugendra Pawar, says, “…I am 100% confident that the people of Baramati will not forget Sharad Pawar and will bless us.”
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:46 AM
Actor Rajkummar Rao leaves from a polling booth in Mumbai after casting his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024.
He says, “It is very important (to vote). Everyone, please step out and vote. This is the voting day, it is very important.”
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:45 AM
Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar, says, “We have done the work, we want to work and we have the vision for future developments. I have faith in the voters of Baramati that they will make me victorious and send me to the Assembly for the 8th time…”
#WATCH | Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar says “We have done the work, we want to work and we have the vision for future developments. I have faith in the voters of Baramati that they will make me victorious and… pic.twitter.com/utIi5ES0ir
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:40 AM
Film director Kabir Khan arrives at a polling booth in Mumbai to cast his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024.
#WATCH | Film director Kabir Khan arrives at a polling booth in Mumbai to cast his vote for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 pic.twitter.com/ALLWpoVYmi
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:37 AM
RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi casts his vote in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:36 AM
Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar, shows his inked finger after casting his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024.
He says “Mahayuti is going to form the government here…”
#WATCH | Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar shows his inked finger after casting his vote for #MaharashtraElection2024
He says “Mahayuti is going to form the government here…” pic.twitter.com/oGsCBMMbsL
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:33 AM
After casting his vote, former Uttar Pradesh Governor and BJP leader Ram Naik says, “I cast my vote in every election. Looking at the atmosphere of the last few months, I feel that Vidya Thakur (BJP candidate) will be elected from here…”
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: After casting his vote, former Uttar Pradesh Governor and BJP leader Ram Naik says, “I cast my vote in every election. Looking at the atmosphere of the last few months, I feel that Vidya Thakur (BJP candidate) will be elected from here…”… pic.twitter.com/1IsplIyfnh
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:27 AM
Mumbai BJP president and candidate from Bandra West assembly constituency, Ashish Shelar casts his vote at a polling station in St. Stanislaus High School of Bandra in Mumbai.
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:23 AM
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “In a democracy, voting is a citizen’s duty. Every citizen should perform this duty. I was in Uttaranchal, but I came here last night to cast my vote. Everyone should vote…”
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “In a democracy, voting is a citizen’s duty. Every citizen should perform this duty. I was in Uttaranchal, but I came here last night to cast my vote. Everyone should vote…”#MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 https://t.co/TPje6eCYg2 pic.twitter.com/U6ePRamY7f
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:17AM
After casting his vote, Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar says “Even during Lok Sabha, members of our family were contesting against each other and everyone has seen that. I tried to meet everyone in Baramati. I am hopeful that this time the people of Baramati will make me victorious…The people of Baramati will think about it (money distribution allegations against Vinod Tawde)…”
#WATCH | After casting his vote, Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar says “Even during Lok Sabha, members of our family were contesting against each other and everyone has seen that. I tried to meet everyone in Baramati. I am… pic.twitter.com/jC0JbG7zSO
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:16AM
Governor CP Radhakrishnan says, “Ours is the biggest democracy of the world. My appeal to all the youngsters, elders and women – they all should come and vote. Whomever they want to vote for is their choice but they should come out and vote. This is the basic duty of every citizen that whenever there is an election, we should go to the polling booth and vote…”
#WATCH | Governor CP Radhakrishnan says, “Ours is the biggest democracy of the world. My appeal to all the youngsters, elders and women – they all should come and vote. Whomever they want to vote for is their choice but they should come out and vote. This is the basic duty of… https://t.co/L8IlOCYOE8 pic.twitter.com/b9YkUDazDp
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:06 AM
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling booth in Nagpur for Maharashtra Election 2024.
#WATCH | RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling booth in Nagpur for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 pic.twitter.com/Q9RVT3MZHO
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:04 AM
Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan casts his vote at the polling booth at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, under the Colaba Assembly constituency.
Mahayuti has fielded Rahul Narwekar (BJP) from Colaba; he faces a contest from Maha Vikas Aghadi’s Heera Devasi (Congress).
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:01 AM
Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar, arrives at a polling station in Baramati to cast his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024.
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:01 AM
Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar, speaks to media as he arrives at a polling station in Baramati to cast his vote for Maharashtra Election 2024.
#WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar speaks to media as he arrives at a polling station in Baramati to cast his vote for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 pic.twitter.com/7ZO3NG5B11
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 07:00 AM
Voting for Maharashtra Election 2024 begins. In Maharashtra, polling is being held in all 288 assembly constituencies. Voting for by-elections, including in Nanded (Maharashtra) Lok Sabha constituency.
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:58 AM
Amravati’s Presiding officer Vijay Raut says “A total of 1,365 people will cast their votes at this polling station. We started mock polling here at 5:30 AM. 27 candidates are contesting elections here. The mock polling was conducted successfully…”
#WATCH | Amravati: Presiding officer Vijay Raut says “A total of 1,365 people will cast their votes at this polling station. We started mock polling here at 5:30 AM. 27 candidates are contesting elections here. The mock polling was conducted successfully…”… https://t.co/vmYpy8HyX1 pic.twitter.com/kwlukbOD9K
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:58 AM
Mock polling is underway at a polling booth in the Amravati Assembly constituency.
Polling in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:57 AM
Maharashtra: Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC, offers prayers at Shri Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai ahead of voting for Maharashtra Assembly Elections2024.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC offers prayers at Shri Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai ahead of voting for #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024
(Video Source: Office of Shaina NC) pic.twitter.com/h81UMVCMyp
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:44 AM
Maharashtra: Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC visits Shri Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai to offer prayers ahead of voting for Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:36 AM
Mock polling is underway at a polling booth in Mumbai. Polling in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:36 AM
Mock polling began at a polling booth in the Mahatma Society Club House of Pune.
Polling in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:26 AM
Final poll preparations are being conducted at a polling booth in Latur city. Polling in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:24 AM
Mock polling has begun at a polling booth in Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency, in Thane. Polling in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.
Nov 20, 2024 · 06:07 AM
Mock polling is being conducted at the polling booth at Shamarao Bapu Kapgate Sr. College Sakoli under Sakoli Assembly constituency of Bhandara district.
Polling in all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.
