As Maharashtra witnessed a sluggish voter turnout in its Assembly elections on Wednesday, prominent leaders urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. According to the Election Commission of India, Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 18.14% till 11 am, while Jharkhand registered a higher turnout of 31.37%.
Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar released a video message encouraging people to exercise their right to vote.
“Voting is taking place today in this land that nurtured the ideologies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. I urge everyone to come and vote. I hope you will all vote for the respect, pride, and culture of Maharashtra, and also to continue with the ideology of the great people of Maharashtra,” he said.
He further added, “People of Maharashtra will fulfil their voting duties and vote to bring about a change in this state again. This is my request to you.”
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis Appeals for Participation
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also made a similar appeal, urging citizens to make their voices heard.
“The festival of democracy is going on, and participation in democracy is very important. For those who have expectations from their government, it is even more important for them to come out to vote. Everyone should vote,” Fadnavis stated.
Voting for the single-phase Maharashtra Assembly elections began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm. Polling is taking place across 288 constituencies in the state.
Key Political Battlelines Drawn
The primary contest is between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
- The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction).
- The opposition MVA includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
Past Election Performance
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, while Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress claimed 44. Comparatively, in 2014, the BJP had secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42.
Leaders across party lines have emphasized the importance of voting, calling it a fundamental duty and a crucial step in shaping the future of Maharashtra. As the day progresses, all eyes remain on the turnout and its potential impact on the political landscape of the state.