Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Maharashtra records 15.9% voter turnout till 11 am

MUMBAI: Maharashtra recorded 15.9% polling upto 11 am. The fifth final phase of polling in the state includes 10 constituencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan region and 3 constituencies in North Maharashtra. The six Mumbai constituencies are being keenly watched because this is the first major election after the split of the Shiv Sena.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Mumbai had recorded its highest voter turnout in 30 years at 55.4%.

Besides the six seats in Mumbai, elections are being held in four seats in MMR including Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Palghar. The three seats in North Maharashtra include Nashik, Dindori and Dhule. In 2014 and 2019, the BJP and undivided Shiv Sena had won all the 10 seats in the MMR region.

The polling recorded till 11 am was as follows: Mumbai North 14.7%, Mumbai North Central 15.7%, Mumbai North East 17%, Mumbai North West 17.5%, Mumbai South 12.8%, Mumbai South Central 16.7%, Bhiwandi 14.8%, Palghar 18.6%, Thane 14.8%, Kalyan 11.5%. In North Maharashtra, Nasik recorded a turnout of 16.3%, Dhule 17.4% and Dindori 19.5%.

There have been concerns about the turnout since the polls are being held in peak summer, with the temperature at 33 degrees Celsius and high humidity. The polls are also coinciding with the school summer vacation.

Candidates were seen casting their vote at polling stations. Several celebrities were also seen at polling booths including film stars Hema Malini and Anil Kapoor. Actor Shabana Azmi said, “Everyone should come out and vote. It is our duty as citizens.”

Former MP Milind Deora who switched from the Congress to the Shiv Sena, said, “It’s the first time since 2004 that I am not a candidate. It’s also the first time in 45 years that there is no Deora contesting from South Mumbai. It feels strange.”

South Central candidate from the Shiv Sena Rahul Shewale said, “We are all hoping for a good voter turnout. Voters should come and exercise their right. It is our duty in a democracy. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Anil Desai who is contesting his first Lok Sabha election said, “The public has been given assurances which have not been fulfilled. The voter is wise.:

Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbai South Yamini Jadhav said, “I did not enter politics for any selfish reason. Shiv Sainiks will stand by me.” Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Mumbai South said, “There has been a good response so far. People are voting to uphold democracy.”

Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar said, “We are seeing a good response in voting despite the heat and the humidity.”

Mumbai is ground zero of the political turmoil in Maharashtra which followed the BJP-backed split of the Shiv Sena and NCP. The city is the birthplace of the Shiv Sena and now the backdrop of the prestige battle between its two factions for the control of the city.

The campaign has been dominated by emotive issues including the “traitor-loyalist” narrative that followed the Shiv Sena split and the Marathi-Gujarati divide which flared up in Ghatkopar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the “nakli Sena” jibe at Uddhav Thackeray’s party, which has played on public sympathy after the split.

Slum redevelopment, price rise, transport and infrastructure were among the other issues in the election.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.