Wed Nov 20 11:39:06 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections Witness Moderate Turnout Amidst Allegations and High-Stakes Competition

**Mumbai, November 20, 2024** – Maharashtra witnessed moderate voter turnout in the state assembly elections held today, with a provisional 45.53% recorded by 3 p.m. While Gadchiroli district boasted the highest turnout at 62.99%, Mumbai city lagged significantly at 39.34%. Prominent figures like industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his son Anant Ambani, along with celebrities and political leaders including Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, cast their votes.

The election is a tight contest between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, seeking re-election, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, aiming for a comeback. The Mahayuti is highlighting popular schemes, while the MVA is criticizing the BJP’s campaign slogans and focusing on issues like caste-based census and social justice.

The day was not without incident. An alleged shooting incident targeted Shiv Sena candidate Bhausaheb Kamble’s car in Shrirampur, though no injuries were reported. An FIR has been filed, and investigations are underway. Further, allegations of cash distribution by BJP’s Vinod Tawde surfaced, prompting opposition demands for an investigation. The BJP vehemently denied these claims.

Another controversy involved an alleged audio recording linking Congress leader Nana Patole and NCP leader Supriya Sule to a bitcoin scam. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, while distancing himself from BJP’s controversial slogans, stated that an inquiry would clarify the matter. His father, Sharad Pawar, also dismissed the allegations as BJP tactics.

Voter turnout varied across districts, with Mumbai’s Colaba constituency recording a mere 33.44%, while Aheri in Gadchiroli saw 66.27%. High-profile constituencies saw varying turnouts; Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s constituency recorded 44.60%, while Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s constituency saw 41.76%. Ajit Pawar’s Baramati constituency recorded 43.57%.

National leaders from both sides actively urged voters to participate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra all appealed for high participation.

The Election Commission seized ₹60 lakh in cash during a raid in Chandrapur district, further highlighting the concerns surrounding potential electoral malpractice. A heated argument also broke out between two candidates in Nashik over voter identification.

With polling concluded at 6 p.m., the final turnout figures and election results will be keenly awaited, determining the future political landscape of Maharashtra. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) remained closed for the day due to the elections.

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