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PremiumMaharashtra Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Soon after the polling for 288 Assembly seats concluded on November 20, exit polls predicted a Mahayuti return in Maharashtra.
A majority of exit polls have predicted a comeback for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti in Maharashtra elections 2024 with a clean sweep. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) lags behind, unlike its Lok Sabha 2024 peformance.
The majority mark in Maharashtra assembly is 145. The actual results will be out on November 23, though.
The contest in Maharashtra is largely bipolar. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in alliance with Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under the ruling Mahayuti banner, is contesting against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), the NCP (Sharad Pawar) and the Congress party.
Voting was held across 1,00,186 polling stations in 52,789 locations on Wednesday. The voting percentage was 65 per cent, highest since 1995.
The 2019 Assembly Elections
The 2019 assembly elections in Maharashtra saw 61.4 per cent voter turnout. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of the BJP and the Shiv Sena (SHS) won a majority. The alliance was dissolved after differences over the government formation, precipitating a political crisis.
In the last five years, the state has had three different chief ministers. These include BJP’s Devendra Fadavis, Shiv Sena’s (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray, and the Shiv Sena’s (SHS) Eknath Shinde.
The two major regional parties – the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – also saw splits, leading to alliances in power and in the opposition.
High Political Stakes
The political stakes have never been higher in Maharashtra. As key players vie for control in one of the richest states of India, the contest is more than just a battle for power. While it is a test of leadership legacies for many, it is also a battle for political survival for others.
The high-decibel campaign saw several prominent national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Union ministers, travelling across the state to rally support for the Mahayuti and MVA candidates.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, the BJP lost ground in Maharashtra. It won just nine of the 28 seats it contested in 2024, as against 23 of the 25 seats it contested in the 2019 general elections.
The results in Maharashtra will test the BJP's momentum after the Haryana win. The election will also be another test for the INDIA bloc since major players in the opposition alliance are in the fray here.
The election tests the BJP's ability to stay in power with the help of regional parties – the Shiv Sena and NCP factions, in this case. A victory in Maharashtra would certainly bolster the BJP’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds in the north.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: After casting his vote, actor Rajat Kapoor said, "... Mumbai has been low on it (voting percentage) always, its a tradition with Mumbai... It's possible that people are disappointed that they vote for somebody but it does not end up where it is supposed to... I hope for a government that is proactive, pro-people, and inclusive."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Salman Khan arrived at a polling booth in Mumbai to cast his vote.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: A low voter turnput of around 45 percent was recorded in Maharashtra till 3 pm on Wednesday. The Mumbai city recorded the lowest lowest turnout at 39%
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, "The election trends are nice. People are voting in large numbers. Voting will conclude peacefully. MVA will form a government."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Here's a look at the voter's turnout in Maharashtra Assembly election in recent past:
2004: 63%
2009: 59%
2014: 63.5%
2019: 61.5%
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: NCP-SCP leader and candidate from the Mumbra-Kalwa Assembly constituency, Jitendra Ahwad casted his vote at a polling station in Thane.
NCP-SCP leader and candidate from Mumbra-Kalwa Assembly constituency, Jitendra Ahwad says "I have just cast my vote. We are getting more than 160 seats..."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Twinkle Khanna leaves a polling booth in Mumbai after casting her vote
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: "Today is voting day and it's your right to come and vote. So, please come and cast your vote," says actor Ranbir Kapoor after casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai's Pali Hill area.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: On Maharahstra Election 2024 Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s son Dhruv Goyal says, "I request everyone to cast their votes. I have also come from America. Everyone should come out and vote..."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: As bitcoins cam allegations against Supriya Sule and Nana Patole fuel Maharashtra Assembly elections, it has been reported that the Enforcement Directorate is conducting raids at the premises of Gaurav Mehta (employee of an audit firm named Sarathi Associates) in connection with an alleged Bitcoin scam.
The searches are being carried out in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
However, the ED did not clarify is the two incidences are related.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has raised concerns over irregularities in Maharashtra’s voter list during the ongoing assembly elections. Speaking in Nagpur, he highlighted that some deceased individuals remain on the list, while several eligible voters are missing.
Gadkari urged the Election Commission to review and fix these issues, calling for a more secure and accurate system to ensure all eligible voters can exercise their franchise.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: "Today is a very auspicious day. Voting is the biggest festival of the nation because every Indian is proud of casting vote," said singer Kailash Kher after casting his vote in Mumbai
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Sluggish voter turnout witnessed in Maharashtra
- Highest turnout in Maharashtra: Gadchiroli district with 50.89%.
- Lowest turnout in Maharashtra: Mumbai city with 27.73%.
- Mumbai Suburban: 30.43% turnout.
- Nagpur: 31.65% turnout.
- Thane: 28.35% turnout.
- Aurangabad: 33.89% turnout.
- Pune: 29.03% turnout.
- *Nashik: 32.30% turnout.
- Satara: 34.78% turnout.
- Kolhapur: 38.56% turnout.
- Dhule: 34.05% turnout.
- Palghar: 33.40% turnout.
- Ratnagiri: 38.52% turnout.
- Nanded: 28.15% turnout.
- Latur: 33.27% turnout.
- Sindhudurg: 38.34% turnout.
- Wardha: 34.55% turnout.
- Osmanabad: 31.75% turnout.
- Washim: 29.31% turnout.
- Yavatmal: 34.10% turnout.
- Solapur: 29.44% turnout.
- Sangli: 33.50% turnout.
- Ahmednagar: 32.90% turnout.
- Akola: 29.87% turnout.
- Amravati: 31.32% turnout.
- Beed: 32.58% turnout.
- Bhandara: 35.06% turnout.
- Buldhana: 32.91% turnout.
- Chandrapur: 35.54% turnout.
- Gondiya: 40.46% turnout.
- Hingoli: 35.97% turnout.
- Jalgoan: 27.88% turnout.
- Jalna: 36.42% turnout.
- Nandurbar: 37.40% turnout.
- Parbhani: 33.12% turnout.
- Raigad: 34.84% turnout.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 32.18% by 1 pm on Wednesday in the ongoing assembly elections, with polling taking place in all 288 constituencies.
Polling Timings: Voting began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm across the state.
Polling Booths: A total of 1,00,186 polling booths have been set up this year, up from 96,654 in the 2019 elections.
- District-wise Turnout:
- Gadchiroli: 50.89%
- Aheri: 52.84%
- Armori: 51.05%
- Mumbai City: 27.73%
- Mumbai Suburban: 30.43%
- Colaba: 24.16%
- Mahim: 33.01%
- Worli: 26.96%
- Shivadi: 30.5%
- Malabar Hill: 33.24%
- Bhandup: 38.75%
- Dahisar: 35.60%
- Bandra East: 25.03%
- Notable Constituencies:
- Kopri-Pachpakhadi (Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's constituency): 32.21% turnout by 1 pm.
- Nagpur South-West(Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis's constituency): 31.12% turnout by 11 am.
- Baramati (Ajit Pawar vs. nephew Yugendra Pawar): 33.78% turnout.
- Nashik District: 31.16% turnout.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: "I want people to come out of their homes, and vote, and I am seeing that good voting is happening, there was a long queue when I came, I am happy to see intent among people to vote," says Bhajan singer Anup Jalota
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Sohail Khan says, "... I wish whoever gets elected loves Bandra the way all residents of Bandra love it... Voting is a responsibility. I appeal to everyone to increase the voting percentage because we are the ones who chose our politicians. It will be our fault if we dont vote."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, who is contesting the Worli assembly seat, cast his vote in Mumbai on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI, Deora emphasised the importance of voting, calling it both a right and a duty.
"It is essential for everyone to step out and vote in large numbers. The parties and alliances that have worked for the people will continue to serve them in the future," he said.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: According to Election Commission of India data, voter turnout in Maharashtra for Assembly elections remained a low 32.18 per cent.
Several celebrities like Anupam Kher, Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, Govinda, Shamita Shetty urged voters to ‘spe out’ and vote.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actors Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani say, "... Please vote. It is very important... We cannot sit and complain if we do not vote. As citizens, this is our responsibility... The facilities at this voting centre are very good and quick..."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini and her daughter, actor Esha Deol, cast their vote for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 at a polling booth in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: "You can't say anything to those who are not coming to vote. It is their choice and it's not the right choice. The government has done everything to make it possible for you to come and vote. Colleges are shut, offices are shut... How can you call yourself a citizen of the nation if you don't vote," said film director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra as he casts his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Isha Koppikar cast her vote in Mumbai on Wednesday. Meeting with reporters she said, “I thing it's up to the parents to make Gen Z vote. I have a 10-year-old child, but I found time to vote. I make sure to make her aware of her duties as a citizen. The issue is good governance. It is extremely important to vote. I am hoping for a progressive governance".
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: "I want to appeal the voters that they should use their voting right. Maximum people should come out and exercise their voting right only then we will get a strong democracy and proper government," said former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede after casting vote in #Mumbai.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: "I want to tell everyone to come out of their homes, and vote, because it is your responsibility as a citizen to do this, and right. I am seeing very less people. Please come, and vote," says actor and interior designer Shamita Shetty
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Govinda who cast his vote on Wednesday for Maharashtra Assembly elections, said, “Step outside and vote".
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: In Mumbai actor Prem Chopra cast his vote for Maharashtra Assembly elections.
After casting his vote, Chopra said, "The arrangements at the polling booth are very nice... Even though I had the option of voting from home, I still came here to caste my vote like everyone else."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Tushar Kapoor says, "Many people dont vote because they have no interest in politics. But we should feel proud of our city and our country and we should never give up on democracy. This is the least we can do... Every vote matters..."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: After casting her vote for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections on Wednesday, Priyanka Chaturvedi talked about the alleged involvement of NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole in a bitcoin scam.
"The sheer desperation of the BJP has been made obvious since yesterday morning where Vinod Tawde, who's a senior leader of the BJP has been caught distributing money to the people of Maharashtra in the hope of buying this election out. They know they're headed towards a disastrous election outcome. That is why they're following down to these cheap measures of putting out an audio clip of Supra Sule and Nana Patole. If you look at the audio clip of Supriya Sule, those who have seen her over the years will tell you neither are the words hers, neither is the accent hers. Clearly, it's a cheap fake AI trying to mislead the voters but the voters of Maharashtra are very clear that they're voting for Maha Vikas Aghadi. They're going to give us a full mandate" Chaturvedi said.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Lyricist Gulzar and his daughter Meghna Gulzar cast their votes in Mumbai.
Gulzar noted, "... People eagerly wait to turn 18 so that they can exercise their right to vote. Chosing a government is their right. And it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that youngsters come out to vote... The glamorous gifts which are being promised to the common man in return for votes, should not be done. The common man will not be lured and they know their real issues."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Anupam Kher cast his vote for Maharashtra Assembly Election in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Emerging out of the poll booth the Bollywood actor said, "Everything is very well organised... The officials are very nice to everyone... There is no bigger celebration in an independent country than elections... The common man keeps in mind his daily needs before he casts his vote... If someone does not vote today, they have the right to raise complaints over the next five years... Voting is cool. Be cool."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: A voter turnout of 18.14 per cent was recorded till 11 am in the single-phase assembly elections in Maharashtra.
Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra recorded the highest voter turnout of 30.00 per cent, while the district of Nanded recorded the lowest voter turnout of 13.67 per cent till 11 am, as per the data of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Mumbai city 15.78 %
Mumbai Suburban 17.99 %
Nagpur 18.90 %
Thane 16.63 %
Aurangabad 17.45 %
Pune 15.64 %
Nashik 18.71 %
Satara 18.72 %
Kolhapur 20.59 %
Dhule 20.11 %
Palghar 19.40 %
Ratnagiri 22.93 %
Latur 18.55 %
Sindhudurg 20.91 %
Wardha 18.86 %
Osmanabad 17.07 %
Washim 16.22 %
Yavatmal 19.38 per cent
Solapur 15.64 per cent
Sangli 18.55 per cent
Ahmednagar 18.24 %
Akola 16.35 %
Amravati 17.45 %
Beed 17.41 %
Bhandara 19.44 %
Buldhana 19.23 %
Chandrapur 21.50 %
Gondiya 23.32 %
Hingoli 19.20 %
Jalna 21.29 %
Nandurbar 21.60 %
Parbhani 18.49 %
Raigad 20.40 %
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accompanied by his wife Rashmi and sons Aaditya and Tejas, cast his vote in Bandra East on Wednesday, urging citizens to step out in large numbers to safeguard the "self-respect of Maharashtra."
Uddhav Thackeray, Varun Sardesai, is contesting from the Bandra East assembly constituency, making this election particularly significant for the Thackeray family. This marks the first time Uddhav and his family members are voting for a relative.
Aaditya Thackeray, who is seeking re-election from the Worli constituency, is also in the fray, underscoring the family’s deep political roots in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: After casting his vote, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, “Today is the festival of democracy and everyone should participate and vote and this will strengthen Maharashtra, democracy. People have not forgotten what happened in 2019, the mandate was for Mahayuti but Mahayuti could not form the government."
:People have seen their (Maha Vikas Aghadi) 2.5 years of rule and have also seen our 2.5 years of rule. We started the development that they had stopped. We started many schemes including Ladli Behna... Mahayuti will form the government with a huge majority." CM Shinde added.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: 18.14 per cent voter turnout till 11 am in Maharashtra assembly elections; 15.78 per cent voting in Mumbai so far, says Election Commission of India.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Actor Soha Ali Khan voted on Wednesday in Mumbai. TRaking to Instagram she said, "We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." Thomas Jefferson Have you voted?"
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde cast his vote at a polling booth in Thane for Maharashtra Elections 2024.
CM Shinde's father also interacted with reporters as he came out to vote, “I am happy, I am father of Eknath Shinde. I want to bless people".
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Mumbai: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and his family cast their vote for Maharashtra Elections 2024, at a polling booth in Neelam Nagar, Mulund.
He says, "...People are coming out to vote with great enthusiasm. Hum ek hain toh safe hain..."
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024:Actor Sanjay Dutt's sister Priya Dutt cast her vote in Mumbai on Wednesday. She said, “I don't want to speculate about anything, as a citizen, I did a lot of campaign, met a lot of people, the response was very positive. Now it's up to the people to vote. People should come out and vote, it's our Constitutional right. LS elections happened recently, so there is not much of a difference, the issues are local this time. People will vote sensibly. It is really disheartening to see people thinking it's not important to vote, but then they would not be having the right to complain".
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: After casting his vote in Mumbai for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, actor Suniel Shetty highlighted the importance of civic responsibility and community involvement.
Shetty called for improved civic sense and discipline among citizens, noting that while people often demand better infrastructure and governance, they must contribute actively as well.
He emphasised that Mumbai, historically known as an epicentre of business and entertainment, should regain its glory with timely infrastructure development and an increase in green spaces like parks. “Mumbai has always been an epicenter of business, entertainment... that glory should come back. This is not only the government's job, but we also have to be responsible," Shetty said, urging voters to participate and support positive change.
“There will be a huge difference if we vote today. Let's help the government by doing good work," he added.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai urged citizens to exercise their right to vote after casting his ballot in Bandra West, Mumbai, during the Maharashtra elections. Ghai emphasised the importance of participating in the democratic process, saying, “I would like to appeal to everyone to vote, this is our right and duty. Whoever they should vote, but vote."
Highlighting education as his main concern, he stated that he would support a candidate focused on the development of Maharashtra and children's welfare.
He advised against procrastination, adding, “Don’t cheat your state Maharashtra, come out for a while," and noted that those who don’t vote lose the right to express their opinions on social media.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: After former IPS officer Ravindra Patil alleged that he and Supriya Sule and had used Bitcoin scam tainted cash to fund polls, Congress' Nana Patole on Wednesday that his voice is not there in the audio and he is a farming man who don't even understand the concept of Bitcoin.
Speaking to the media persons, Patole said, "The IPS officer brought by BJP, Ravindra Patil is not even an IPS officer. BJP has become a party of lies. On the eve of elections, they are doing all this. My voice is not there in the audio. I am a farming man; I don't even understand Bitcoin."
He further added that they will file a defamation case against BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi and Patil.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Shiv Sena workers clash with supporters of Independent MLA in Nandgaon
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Nana Patole, Maharashtra Congress president and party’s candidate from Sakoli, cast his vote for Maharashtra Elections 2024 at a polling booth in Mumbai.
After casting his vote, Patole said, "In Maharashtra, Maha Vikas Aghadi will form its government under the leadership of Congress. Congress is going to get the maximum number of votes in the state. The way Vinod Tawde was caught distributing money yesterday. He said he was distributing letters, what was the compulsion of the BJP state chief to go and distribute letters? They are trying to lie...By distributing money and liqueur, are they doing vote jihad?..."
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with his wife Amruta Fadnavis and mother Sarita Fadnavis cast vote in Nagpur.
He is contesting as a BJP candidate from Nagpur South-West Assembly seat.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Actor Kartik Aaryan cast his vote for Maharashtra Elections 2024, at a polling booth in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Union Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said, "I strongly condemn all such forces who divide the society on the basis of religion, caste, language. I think the people of Maharashtra will give them a befitting reply by voting in large numbers in this election..."
Notably, the BJP has been polling the Hindu unity pitch in Maharashtra much to the chagrin of Mahayuti allies. The Batenge to Katenge slogan of UP CM Yogi Adityanath has faced opposition along Mahayuti allies and BJP leader Pankahaja Munde in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Actress Urmila Matondkar posed for photos with police officials after casting her vote.
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar posted a selfie after casting her vote. “Rock The Vote Please #saddahaq #mumbaicalling #getinked #votingday," read her caption.
Meanwhile, her brother Farhan Akhtar cast his vote at a polling booth in Bandra.
Ali Fazal also casrt his vote in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE: Bollywood actor John Abraham was spotted at a polling booth as voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections began on Wednesday morning.
John, dressed casually in an all-black outfit was spotted interacting with fans outside the polling booth after casting his vote.
John was all smiles as he posed with a thumbs-up sign while stepping into his car.
