Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 Live | Mahayuti Or Maha Vikas Aghadi? Polling Underway In 288 Seats

Zeeshan Siddique, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from Bandra East, cast his vote on Wednesday at a polling booth in Mumbai for the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. Siddique, who is contesting in this crucial election, exercised his democratic right early in the day.

Actor Ali Fazal cast his vote on Wednesday for the Maharashtra Assembly elections and proudly showed off his inked finger to encourage others to vote.

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, along with his wife Anjali and their daughter, cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai on Wednesday as the state assembly elections are underway.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat was among the early voters in Nagpur as polling for the state assembly elections began. Bhagwat exercised his right to vote at a polling booth in Nagpur's Mahal area, shortly after voting commenced at 7 am.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Bhagwat emphasised the importance of voting in a democracy, calling it the responsibility of every citizen. He urged voters to cast their ballots based on important issues, stressing the need for a 100 per cent voter turnout.

"I wanted to be a part of the process of change or adding my opinion through vote. It was very easy. Every table has somebody telling you exactly what you need. They are very nice and accommodating," says actor Rashmi Nigam after casting vote at St Anne's High School, Mumbai's Bandra.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote

"By voting in large numbers to these brothers and sisters who will vote in the Maharashtra assembly elections ‍ which will lead to the advancement of Maharashtra's culture, safety of mothers and sisters and farmers ‍ . Answer those who compromise principles for power and make appeasement for votes their agenda by showing the strength of your votes by voting. Vote in large numbers today for a brighter future for the youth of Maharashtra," Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X

"Eknath Shinde has done good developmental work. He has led the state well and we believe he will continue to work for development for the next five years. Kedar Dighe is contesting against him (Eknath Shinde)... let's see if he loses deposit and how many votes he gets," says Prakash Shinde, brother of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, after casting his vote in Thane.

Actor Akshay Kumar arrives to cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

"It is our right in democracy, so it's important that we step outside to vote. I have performed my duties," says actor Rajkummar Rao after casting votes at a polling booth in Gyan Kendra Secondary School, Mumbai.

After casting his vote, Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar says "Even during Lok Sabha, members of our family were contesting against each other and everyone has seen that. I tried to meet everyone in Baramati. I am hopeful that this time the people of Baramati will make me victorious...The people of Baramati will think about it (money distribution allegations against Vinod Tawde)..."

"Today, votes will be cast for all the seats of Maharashtra Assembly elections. I urge the voters of the state to be a part of it with full enthusiasm and add to the splendor of the festival of democracy. On this occasion, I appeal to all the youth and women voters to vote in large numbers," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

Polling began Wednesday morning in the Maharashtra assembly elections, where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is vying to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine is hoping for a strong comeback.

Voting began in all the 288 assembly seats at 7 am and will end at 6 pm, an election official said. The votes will be counted on November 23.

Over 9.7 crore voters will be choosing from among the 4,136 candidates in the fray, the official said.

In the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena is in the fray in 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.

In the opposition’s MVA combine, the Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.

The Worli Assembly seat in south Mumbai has also garnered the attention of Mumbai and Maharashtra as it is a battle between two well-known candidates.
It is also a battle between the two Shiv Senas - the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya, who is a sitting MLA, is contesting the polls once again, this time on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. In 2019, Aaditya was elected from the undivided Shiv Sena.
The other key candidate is senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora, son of former Congress leader and Union Minister Murli Deora.
Milind Deora, a former Congressman and Lok Sabha MP, switched sides and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Worli consists of middle, upper middle class and rich families and areas like the BDD chawl, which houses hundreds of families.
The other key contender among the 10 contestants is Sandeep Sudhakar Deshpande, who resides in Dadar but has been fielded from Worli. The MNS also has a sizable chunk of votes in the area and a division in the votes could help the party.
While Aaditya could retain his seat, it is likely that Milind Deora could emerge as a giant killer.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Nagpur-South West constituency have a special connection.
Fadnavias, a former Maharashtra Chief Minister, has been elected from this constituency for five times and is seeking re-election for the sixth time.
Fadnavis is contesting on a BJP ticket and has the support of the saffron party's top brass and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is a Lok Sabha member from Nagpur. On the other hand, Congress has fielded Prafulla Gudhade to take on Fadnavis.
For the record, there are 12 contestants in the fray, but the key battle is between the BJP and the Congress.
The road for Fadnavis could be difficult as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, has repeatedly targeted Fadnavis, and has appealed to the Marathas, to vote against him. Marathas are a key community in Maharashtra and they are seeking reservation. The Maratha reservation has become a key poll issue.
Fadnavis also has the support of the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Congress has the support of the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT).

The BJP on Tuesday played purported voice notes of Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule to allege attempts to encash Bitcoins to influence Maharashtra elections, claiming it poses a serious question on the conduct of polls in a free and fair manner.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the development has "unmasked" the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and sought replies from the Congress and Sule, a Lok Sabha MP and daughter of NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar.

Ahead of the BJP's scheduled press conference, Sule posted on X about the "familiar tactics of spreading false information to manipulate the righteous voters" before the polling day on Wednesday. Read More.

Preparations underway at polling booth in Mumbai ahead of voting. The number of candidates has increased by 28 per cent this time compared to the 2019 state assembly elections. This year, 4,136 candidates are contesting, up from 3,239 in 2019.

Mock polling underway at a polling booth in Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency, in Thane. Polling on all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.

Zeeshan Siddique, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from Bandra East, cast his vote on Wednesday at a polling booth in Mumbai for the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. Siddique, who is contesting in this crucial election, exercised his democratic right early in the day.

Actor Ali Fazal cast his vote on Wednesday for the Maharashtra Assembly elections and proudly showed off his inked finger to encourage others to vote.

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, along with his wife Anjali and their daughter, cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai on Wednesday as the state assembly elections are underway.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat was among the early voters in Nagpur as polling for the state assembly elections began. Bhagwat exercised his right to vote at a polling booth in Nagpur's Mahal area, shortly after voting commenced at 7 am.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Bhagwat emphasised the importance of voting in a democracy, calling it the responsibility of every citizen. He urged voters to cast their ballots based on important issues, stressing the need for a 100 per cent voter turnout.

"I wanted to be a part of the process of change or adding my opinion through vote. It was very easy. Every table has somebody telling you exactly what you need. They are very nice and accommodating," says actor Rashmi Nigam after casting vote at St Anne's High School, Mumbai's Bandra.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote

"By voting in large numbers to these brothers and sisters who will vote in the Maharashtra assembly elections ‍ which will lead to the advancement of Maharashtra's culture, safety of mothers and sisters and farmers ‍ . Answer those who compromise principles for power and make appeasement for votes their agenda by showing the strength of your votes by voting. Vote in large numbers today for a brighter future for the youth of Maharashtra," Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X

"Eknath Shinde has done good developmental work. He has led the state well and we believe he will continue to work for development for the next five years. Kedar Dighe is contesting against him (Eknath Shinde)... let's see if he loses deposit and how many votes he gets," says Prakash Shinde, brother of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, after casting his vote in Thane.

Actor Akshay Kumar arrives to cast his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

"It is our right in democracy, so it's important that we step outside to vote. I have performed my duties," says actor Rajkummar Rao after casting votes at a polling booth in Gyan Kendra Secondary School, Mumbai.

After casting his vote, Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency, Ajit Pawar says "Even during Lok Sabha, members of our family were contesting against each other and everyone has seen that. I tried to meet everyone in Baramati. I am hopeful that this time the people of Baramati will make me victorious...The people of Baramati will think about it (money distribution allegations against Vinod Tawde)..."

"Today, votes will be cast for all the seats of Maharashtra Assembly elections. I urge the voters of the state to be a part of it with full enthusiasm and add to the splendor of the festival of democracy. On this occasion, I appeal to all the youth and women voters to vote in large numbers," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

Polling began Wednesday morning in the Maharashtra assembly elections, where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is vying to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine is hoping for a strong comeback.

Voting began in all the 288 assembly seats at 7 am and will end at 6 pm, an election official said. The votes will be counted on November 23.

Over 9.7 crore voters will be choosing from among the 4,136 candidates in the fray, the official said.

In the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena is in the fray in 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.

In the opposition’s MVA combine, the Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) has put up 86 candidates.

The Worli Assembly seat in south Mumbai has also garnered the attention of Mumbai and Maharashtra as it is a battle between two well-known candidates.
It is also a battle between the two Shiv Senas - the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya, who is a sitting MLA, is contesting the polls once again, this time on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. In 2019, Aaditya was elected from the undivided Shiv Sena.
The other key candidate is senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora, son of former Congress leader and Union Minister Murli Deora.
Milind Deora, a former Congressman and Lok Sabha MP, switched sides and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Worli consists of middle, upper middle class and rich families and areas like the BDD chawl, which houses hundreds of families.
The other key contender among the 10 contestants is Sandeep Sudhakar Deshpande, who resides in Dadar but has been fielded from Worli. The MNS also has a sizable chunk of votes in the area and a division in the votes could help the party.
While Aaditya could retain his seat, it is likely that Milind Deora could emerge as a giant killer.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Nagpur-South West constituency have a special connection.
Fadnavias, a former Maharashtra Chief Minister, has been elected from this constituency for five times and is seeking re-election for the sixth time.
Fadnavis is contesting on a BJP ticket and has the support of the saffron party's top brass and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is a Lok Sabha member from Nagpur. On the other hand, Congress has fielded Prafulla Gudhade to take on Fadnavis.
For the record, there are 12 contestants in the fray, but the key battle is between the BJP and the Congress.
The road for Fadnavis could be difficult as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, has repeatedly targeted Fadnavis, and has appealed to the Marathas, to vote against him. Marathas are a key community in Maharashtra and they are seeking reservation. The Maratha reservation has become a key poll issue.
Fadnavis also has the support of the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Congress has the support of the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT).

The BJP on Tuesday played purported voice notes of Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule to allege attempts to encash Bitcoins to influence Maharashtra elections, claiming it poses a serious question on the conduct of polls in a free and fair manner.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the development has "unmasked" the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and sought replies from the Congress and Sule, a Lok Sabha MP and daughter of NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar.

Ahead of the BJP's scheduled press conference, Sule posted on X about the "familiar tactics of spreading false information to manipulate the righteous voters" before the polling day on Wednesday. Read More.

Preparations underway at polling booth in Mumbai ahead of voting. The number of candidates has increased by 28 per cent this time compared to the 2019 state assembly elections. This year, 4,136 candidates are contesting, up from 3,239 in 2019.

Mock polling underway at a polling booth in Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency, in Thane. Polling on all 288 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 7 am.