Wed Nov 20 08:43:34 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Low Turnout Marks Day of High Stakes

**Mumbai, November 20** – Voting is underway for all 288 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, with a reported voter turnout of just 32.18% by 1 pm. A total of 4,136 candidates are vying for seats across 100,186 polling stations. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate enthusiastically, early turnout figures suggest a lower level of engagement than the 61.4% recorded in 2019.

The election pits the ruling Mahayuti alliance – comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena – against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, and the Congress. The contest is considered a crucial test for both alliances, with the BJP aiming to solidify its position and the MVA seeking a comeback.

The day saw a flurry of celebrity endorsements, with numerous Bollywood actors and personalities urging citizens to vote. However, several prominent figures also highlighted concerns about low voter turnout and the importance of civic duty. Film director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed disappointment at the low participation, while actor Sohail Khan emphasized the responsibility voters have in choosing their representatives.

The election is marked by high political stakes, following five years of political turmoil, including three different Chief Ministers and splits within major regional parties. The BJP’s performance will be closely watched, especially given their recent victory in Haryana and their relatively weaker performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

A major controversy erupted on polling day, with former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil accusing NCP leader Supriya Sule and Congress chief Nana Patole of using Bitcoin scam money to fund their campaigns. Sule vehemently denied the allegations.

Exit polls will be released after 6:30 pm, providing initial predictions for the election results, which will be officially announced in the coming days. The outcome will have significant implications for national politics, influencing the power dynamics within both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

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