Fri Nov 22 23:55:48 UTC 2024: ## Nasik District Records 60.11% Voter Turnout in Peaceful but Slow-Paced Assembly Elections

**Nasik, Maharashtra:** Nasik district concluded its Assembly elections on Wednesday, with a final voter turnout of 60.11% by 5 PM. The elections, marked by a close contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti alliances, saw 196 candidates vying for 15 Assembly seats. The presence of numerous candidates from smaller parties like Prahar Janshakti Party and MNS, along with independent candidates, significantly increased the competitiveness in several constituencies. Incidents involving rebel candidates also led to heightened tension in some areas.

While the highest turnout was recorded in Dindori taluka (71.97%), Nasik East constituency recorded the lowest at 49.6%. A total of 5,061,185 voters were registered, representing a five lakh increase over the past five years. Several high-profile candidates, including Minister Chhagan Bhujbal (Yevla), Minister Dada Bhuse (Malegaon), and sitting MLAs like Dr. Rahul Aher and others faced strong opposition, resulting in intense campaigning and alleged use of various tactics to garner votes.

Although voting began at 7 AM, the pace remained slow throughout the day. Government initiatives and political parties’ door-to-door campaigns aimed to boost participation. The elections saw a mix of two-cornered, three-cornered, and multi-cornered contests, intensifying the competition.

Out of 4,922 polling booths, webcasting was operational in 3,280, with 20 observers monitoring the process. Incidents in Nandgaon constituency prompted police to register several FIRs related to altercations and attacks, with one person taken into custody. While the district largely witnessed peaceful elections, the slow voting rate and incidents in sensitive areas like Nandgaon necessitated the deployment of armed forces at specific polling stations. Reports also surfaced of verbal clashes between voters and police over the transportation of mobile polling booths, and an incident where Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was stopped at a polling station in Yevla. Technical issues were also reported at some polling booths.

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