65 per cent polling in Maharashtra assembly elections
An estimated 65 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the Maharashtra assembly elections on Wednesday, where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is making a determined bid to retain power and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is hoping to continue its good showing in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The figures are provisional, election officials said, adding that 61.74 per cent of polling was recorded in the 2019 assembly elections in the state.
The Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district recorded a turnout of 69.63 per cent on Wednesday, while Mumbai, the financial capital, saw an estimated 54 per cent turnout. In the 2019 polls, Mumbai’s polling figure stood at 50.67 per cent.
Officials noted that poll percentage figures are provisional and may undergo minor revisions once all data is verified. The final voter turnout percentage is expected to be officially announced on Thursday.
Notably, an encouraging trend has been observed in urban constituencies, traditionally known for lower voter participation.
Mumbai’s Colaba constituency, which recorded just 40 per cent turnout in 2019, showed an improved figure of 44.49 per cent this year, as per the figures shared by the state Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
In rural areas, where voter engagement tends to be higher, several constituencies reported exceptional turnout rates.
Karvir constituency in Kolhapur district recorded 84.79 per cent turnout, which is expected to be the highest in the state. Similarly, other constituencies in Gadchiroli district also registered high participation.
Several Bollywood celebrities, including actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor, cast their votes adding a touch of glamour to the festival of democracy.