Thu Nov 21 00:58:40 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections Conclude with 62.05% Turnout; Exit Polls Predict Close Race

**Mumbai, November 21, 2024** – Voting concluded today in the high-stakes Maharashtra Assembly elections, with a final voter turnout of 62.05%, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). While Gadchiroli district boasted the highest turnout at 69.63%, Mumbai city recorded the lowest at 49.07%. The results will be declared on November 23rd.

The election saw a fierce contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition (Congress, Shiv Sena [UBT], NCP [SP]). A total of 4,136 candidates contested for 288 seats. Key voter concerns identified by a Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies and MIT-SOG survey included unemployment, inflation, and agricultural distress. The issue of caste-based reservations also played a significant role.

Exit polls suggest a close race, with most predicting a Mahayuti victory but with the MVA putting up a strong showing. Predictions vary, with some indicating a comfortable Mahayuti majority and others suggesting the MVA may also cross the majority mark of 145 seats. However, Congress leaders dismissed the exit polls, expressing confidence in an MVA victory.

The election day was marked by several incidents, including allegations of booth capturing attempts in Beed district, and a complaint filed against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for alleged poll code violations. The Enforcement Directorate also conducted raids in Chhattisgarh, linked to a cryptocurrency case allegedly connected to the elections. Significant seizures of cash and other illicit items totaling ₹707 crore were reported throughout the election period.

Prominent figures from politics and Bollywood participated in the voting process, highlighting the election’s significance. Concerns over low urban voter turnout were expressed by the Election Commission. The final turnout, while lower than the 2019 figure of 61.74%, is still expected to exceed it, according to officials. The state now awaits the final results to determine the future government of Maharashtra.

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