Voting for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 began in full swing on Wednesday, with citizens across the state heading to polling booths to decide the fate of 4,136 candidates in 288 constituencies. The election is set to be a major political battle between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

As of 1 PM, Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 32.18%, with Mumbai showing a comparatively lower participation rate. Mumbai City had a turnout of 27.73%, while Mumbai Suburban recorded 30.43%. The slow pace of voting, particularly in Mumbai, has raised concerns among political leaders and observers alike.

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), is aiming to retain power, while the MVA, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, is looking for a strong comeback. The election has also seen several smaller parties like the BSP and AIMIM enter the fray.

In a notable development, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed his concern about the sluggish voter turnout. Speaking to the media, Athawale said, "The voting process is slow, and I think it might reach around 50-55% at the current pace. However, I believe that voting should reach 70-80%. If the voter turnout remains this low, we need to seriously consider introducing a law for compulsory voting. I will raise this issue in parliament and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss how to increase the voter turnout."

Athawale stressed that it is crucial for people to exercise their right to vote, urging a higher participation rate in the democratic process.

Notable figures, including Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, also cast their votes earlier in the day, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari voting in Nagpur along with his family at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation Office.

As the day progresses, election officials are hopeful that voter turnout will pick up pace, particularly in urban areas where the participation has been notably slow. With approximately 9.7 crore eligible voters in Maharashtra, the final turnout figures will be closely watched in the coming hours.

Voting will continue until 6 PM, and the results of the election will be announced on November 23.