54.22% Turnout in Maharashtra's Final Lok Sabha Poll Phase

In a significant display of democratic participation, Maharashtra concluded its final phase of Lok Sabha elections with a voter turnout of 54.22 per cent across 13 constituencies, including the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. The state's Chief Electoral Officer's office confirmed the figures late Monday evening, marking the end of polling in all 48 Lok Sabha seats within the state. Amidst stringent security measures, a diverse array of voters including Bollywood celebrities, corporate moguls, and leading politicians joined the general populace in casting their votes.

Dindori, located in Nashik district, witnessed the highest voter engagement at 62.66 per cent, whereas Kalyan in Thane district saw the lowest at 47.08 per cent. Other notable constituencies like Palghar and Bhiwandi saw turnouts of 61.18 per cent and 56.41 per cent respectively. Mumbai's overall participation stood at 52.27 per cent, a slight dip from the 55.38 per cent recorded in 2019.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence in the ruling alliance's stronghold over the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), anticipating victories across all ten seats under contention. Prominent figures such as Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray were among those who exercised their franchise in Mumbai.

The election saw participation from a spectrum of society, including Union minister Piyush Goyal, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, and industrialists like Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani. Bollywood and cricket personalities also made their presence felt at polling booths, contributing to the democratic process.

Despite the scorching heat with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius, voters turned up early to avoid the midday sun. Technical glitches with EVMs were reported in Thane but were promptly addressed by election officials. The Mumbai police deployed over 30,000 personnel to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process.

Complaints regarding the lack of facilities at polling stations were raised by Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray, suggesting improvements such as shaded areas or fans for voters waiting in line. Allegations of deliberate delays by the Election Commission at certain booths were made by Uddhav Thackeray, hinting at political manipulation.

The election process in Mumbai was efficiently managed with no significant incidents of overcrowding or disruptions reported outside polling stations. This phase marks a crucial step in Maharashtra's political landscape, reflecting the vibrant democratic spirit of its citizens.