Wed Nov 20 11:53:56 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra & Jharkhand Assembly Elections: Low Turnout in Maharashtra, Congress Boycotts Exit Polls
**Mumbai/Ranchi:** Voting is underway for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections. Maharashtra, with 288 seats, is holding a single-phase election, while Jharkhand is in the second phase of voting, covering 38 seats. However, a significant development emerged today with the Congress party announcing its decision to boycott exit polls scheduled to be broadcast later today.
Voter turnout in Maharashtra has been lower than expected, causing concern among political leaders. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray urged citizens to exercise their franchise. In contrast, Jharkhand is reporting comparatively better voter turnout. Polling booths in Maharashtra will close at 6 PM, while some in Jharkhand will close at 4 PM. The counting of votes will take place on October 23rd. By-elections for several assembly and parliamentary seats in other states are also ongoing.
Jharkhand Minister and Jamtara candidate Irfan Ansari appealed to voters to participate in the election process, expressing confidence in winning several seats in the Santhal Pargana region. The first phase of voting in Jharkhand concluded on November 13th.
First Piper 