Maharashtra Assembly Polls: Voting begins amid tight security; over 4,000 candidates in fray

Polling for the single-phase Maharashtra Assembly elections began at 7 am on Wednesday, covering all 288 constituencies. The voting will continue until 6 pm, with approximately 9.7 crore registered voters expected to exercise their franchise.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate actively in this "festival of democracy." In a post on X, he called on youth and women to vote in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of their role in shaping the state's future.  

To ensure smooth polling, security measures have been intensified across Mumbai. Over 25,000 personnel, including riot-control teams, home guards, and senior officers, are on duty. Vehicle checks are being conducted in sensitive areas like Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar and Dharavi to maintain law and order, according to the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate.  

The elections feature a total of 4,136 candidates, including 2,086 independents. Key players include the BJP contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena (81), and the NCP (59). Congress is fielding 101 candidates, while Shiv Sena (UBT) has 95 and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 86. The BSP is contesting 237 seats, alongside smaller regional parties.  

Campaigning concluded on November 18 after a high-pitched battle between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).  

In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 105 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 56 and Congress with 44. This time, both alliances are vying for a clear majority in the state assembly, with issues like development, unemployment, and governance dominating the campaigns.  

As the day progresses, voter turnout will be closely monitored, reflecting the enthusiasm of Maharashtra's electorate in deciding the state's political future.