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.
• Check LIVE Updates Here:
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.
