North News
Mumbai, November 20
Voter turnout in Maharashtra remained slow so far, with 18.1 percent participation recorded by 11 a.m. Polling for Maharashtra’s Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 288 constituencies and will continue until 6 p.m. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is vying to retain power, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) aims for a strong political comeback. The results will be announced on November 23.
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has focused its campaign on flagship initiatives like the “Majhi Ladki Bahin” scheme for women.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, addressing allegations of election manipulation involving cryptocurrency, said, “The audio clip in circulation will be examined, and the truth will come out.” The allegations center on NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and MPCC chief Nana Patole.
Sharad Pawar, the NCP (SP) chief, cast his vote in Baramati, urging citizens to turn out in large numbers. “By November 23, we’ll know who the people trust to govern Maharashtra,” he said. Dismissing allegations against his daughter Supriya Sule, he accused the BJP of spreading falsehoods. “Only the BJP can align with individuals who have spent time in jail to propagate such baseless claims,” the veteran leader added.
Meanwhile, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar posted a photograph on X after casting his vote, captioning it, “It’s time to think, and proudly show your ink. Every vote matters! Have you done your part?” Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also led by example, arriving early at the polling station to cast his vote.
