Voting commenced across 288 constituencies in Maharashtra early Wednesday morning, marking the start of a high-stakes electoral battle. The elections pit the ruling Mahayuti alliance against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in a closely watched contest that could reshape the state’s political landscape.
The Contenders
The ruling Mahayuti alliance comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi features Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction).
- Mahayuti: BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde) 81, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) 59.
- MVA: Congress has fielded candidates in 101 constituencies, Shiv Sena (UBT) in 95, and NCP (Sharad Pawar) in 86.
The BSP has also entered the fray, contesting 237 seats independently. With nearly 9.7 crore registered voters, the outcome of this election holds significant importance for both alliances.
High-Profile Allegations and Statements
Amidst voting, a controversy has emerged involving allegations against NCP leader Supriya Sule, who has been accused by former IPS officer Ravindra Patil of involvement in a “bitcoin scam.” Veteran NCP leader Sharad Pawar defended his daughter, stating, “The person making these allegations was jailed for several months. Only the BJP can stoop to such tactics.”
The allegations have been amplified by leaders from the Mahayuti, further intensifying the political rivalry.
Notable Voters
Several prominent figures stepped out to cast their votes early in the day:
- Piyush Goyal, Union Minister, voted in Mumbai along with his family.
- Sachin Tendulkar, cricket legend, cast his vote with his family in Bandra.
- Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza, a popular actor couple, voted in Latur. Riteish, the son of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, comes from a politically active family.
Early Voter Turnout
As of 9 AM, Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 6.61%, with Mumbai City at 6.25% and Mumbai Suburban at 7.88%.
Sharad Pawar Leads by Example
Sharad Pawar, a key figure in Maharashtra politics, cast his vote at a polling station in Baramati. He urged citizens to exercise their democratic right, setting an example for others to follow.
Nawab Malik Urges Voter Participation
NCP leader Nawab Malik, a candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, also cast his vote early. Malik encouraged people to turn out in large numbers, stating, “Elect an MLA of your choice and shape the future of Maharashtra.”
Looking Ahead
With tensions running high and allegations flying, all eyes are now on Maharashtra’s electorate. The final outcome will not only determine the state’s leadership but could also influence the political trajectory of national parties in the upcoming general elections.