Wed Nov 20 16:38:55 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Exit Polls Predict Close Contest as Voting Concludes

**Mumbai, [Date]** – Voting concluded today in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with a final turnout of 58 percent, significantly lower than anticipated. While the overall voting percentage was lower than expected, the highest turnout was recorded in Gadchiroli (69%), with Mumbai City recording the lowest. Earlier reports indicated a slow start, with only 45.53% voter participation by 3 PM. The election saw 4,136 candidates vying for 288 seats.

The election is a crucial test for several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Nana Patole. While the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition dominated the Lok Sabha elections six months prior, the current political landscape remains uncertain.

Exit polls released immediately after voting closed predicted a close contest between the ruling Mahayuati and the MVA. Different agencies offered varying projections:

* **Times Now-CVoter:** Predicted 150-170 seats for Mahayuati, 110-130 for MVA, and 8-10 for others.
* **Matrize:** Projected 150-170 seats for Mahayuati, 110-130 for MVA, and 8-10 for others.
* **Poll Diary:** Estimated 122-186 seats for Mahayuati, 69-112 for MVA, and 7-12 for others.
* **P-Marq:** Predicted a tight race, with Mahayuati at 137-157 seats, MVA at 126-146, and others at 2-8.

The day saw scattered incidents of violence, including a reported shooting incident targeting a Shiv Sena candidate in Shrirampur. Several high-profile figures cast their votes, including Bollywood actor Salman Khan under heavy security.

The election also witnessed family clashes, notably the contest between NCP leader Ajit Pawar and his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, in Baramati. Accusations of intimidation and vote rigging were made by Ajit Pawar’s sister-in-law. Other notable events included the voting of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and his son Amit’s debut election.

Leading figures from various parties commented throughout the day, with BJP MP Narayan Rane predicting a large victory for the Mahayuati alliance. Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi dismissed BJP allegations against Supriya Sule and Nana Patole as desperate attempts to influence the outcome. Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde and his daughter even publicly endorsed an independent candidate.

The low voter turnout sparked concern among several politicians, including Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, who urged for higher participation. The results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections will be announced on November 23rd.

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