Tue Nov 19 21:55:42 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections: High Stakes Battle for Power Ends With Voting

**Mumbai, November 19, 2024** – Maharashtra heads to the polls tomorrow in a closely contested election that will decide the fate of several key political figures. The campaign, which concluded today, saw a high-stakes battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

Voting will take place across all 288 assembly seats on November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23. The election features a clash of heavyweights, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray, and the two Pawars – Sharad and Ajit. The outcome could significantly alter the political landscape for these leaders.

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, is relying on popular schemes and development initiatives. However, the BJP’s use of controversial slogans has drawn criticism and accusations of religious polarization from the opposition. Some allies within the Mahayuti have even publicly distanced themselves from these slogans.

The MVA alliance, consisting of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, vehemently opposed these slogans and campaigned aggressively.

In the lead-up to the election, authorities seized ₹660.16 crore worth of cash, alcohol, and other illegal items. Several incidents, including a verbal altercation between BJP and Congress candidates, have also been reported. Allegations of vote buying have surfaced, with accusations leveled against a senior BJP leader. These allegations have been denied by the accused.

The Vidarbha region, historically influential in state politics, is expected to play a crucial role. Both BJP and Congress are fiercely contesting the region’s 62 seats.

A total of 4,140 candidates are vying for 288 seats, with over 9.7 crore eligible voters. Extensive security measures are in place, with over 30,000 police personnel deployed in Mumbai alone. Authorities have also taken steps to ensure smooth voting processes and easy access to polling booths, including extended metro services and QR code-based polling station locators. The Election Commission has resolved over 8,600 complaints filed through the C-Vigil app.

The election is considered a crucial test of strength for all major parties, with high anticipation surrounding the results.

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