Wed Nov 20 09:58:42 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Low Turnout Amidst High-Stakes Contest

**Mumbai, November 20, 2024** – Maharashtra witnessed a slow start to its Assembly elections today, with a voter turnout of just 32.18% recorded by 1 p.m. While Gadchiroli district boasted the highest turnout at 50.89%, Mumbai city lagged significantly at 27.73%. Polling is underway across all 288 Assembly seats.

The election is a fierce battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, seeking re-election, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition coalition, hoping for a comeback. The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, is highlighting popular schemes like “Majhi Ladki Bahin.” However, internal divisions emerged over controversial slogans used by BJP allies, with Ajit Pawar distancing himself from the rhetoric.

The MVA, consisting of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), is focusing its campaign on social justice, a caste-based census, and constitutional protection. The BJP has leveled serious allegations against Congress president Nana Patole and NCP leader Supriya Sule, accusing them of links to a bitcoin scam, prompting ED raids in Chhattisgarh.

Prominent figures from all parties cast their votes today, including Congress MPs Varsha and Jyoti Gaikwad, Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya, and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who received a traditional blessing from his family before voting. Other notable voters included Raj Thackeray, who voted for his son Amit making his electoral debut, and Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari, who both appealed for high voter turnout.

Despite appeals from leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge urging voters to participate and bring about change, the slow pace of voting continues. The Election Commission seized ₹60 lakh in cash during a raid in Chandrapur district, further highlighting concerns about potential irregularities. Verbal clashes between candidates were also reported in Nashik. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) are closed today due to the elections. The final voter turnout and election results are eagerly awaited.

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