Wed Nov 20 14:07:30 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Voting Underway Amidst Tight Contest
**Mumbai, November 20** – Maharashtra held its single-phase assembly elections today, with all 288 constituencies going to the polls. Voting began at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm, following an intense campaign period. A dry day was observed across the state. Simultaneously, the second phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections is also underway.
The election is a closely fought contest between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena, is banking on initiatives like the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme to retain power. However, their campaign slogans, perceived by the opposition as divisive, have drawn criticism. The MVA, conversely, has focused its campaign on social justice and constitutional protection.
The BJP launched a final day of campaigning with advertisements criticizing the MVA, highlighting events like the Palghar sadhu lynching and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Election officials reported a significant number of complaints addressed through the C-Vigil app, with numerous poll code violations resulting in the filing of several cases. Large quantities of alcohol and drugs were seized across the state.
Exit polls, prohibited from release until after 6:30 pm today, will offer initial predictions following the conclusion of voting. Official vote counting is scheduled for November 23.
First Piper 