Maharashtra, India — The voting process for the highly anticipated Maharashtra Assembly elections kicked off today at 7 AM, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the state's electorate to engage actively in this democratic exercise. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Modi emphasized the importance of voter participation, specifically calling on youth and women to come out in large numbers. "Voting is going on today for all seats of Maharashtra Assembly elections. I urge all the voters of the state to participate enthusiastically in this process and grace this festival of democracy," he stated. With a total of 4,136 candidates vying for electoral positions, the stakes are high in this election, which is marked by intense campaigning over the past month. Approximately 9.7 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes, yet the Election Commission faces challenges in boosting turnout, particularly in urban areas like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.
The two major political alliances, Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi, are in a tight contest for power in the state. To ensure a smooth and secure voting process, the Central Reserve Police Force has deployed 500 units across 990 critical polling stations in Maharashtra. Notably, webcasting will be implemented at 67,557 of the state's 1,427 polling stations, aimed at enhancing transparency and monitoring. Following concerns raised during the Lok Sabha elections about long wait times and congestion at polling stations, the Election Commission has increased the number of polling locations by about 2,000. Measures have also been put in place to allow more than one voter inside polling stations at a time to reduce queues.
In a significant step towards inclusivity, home voting facilities were provided for voters aged 85 and above, as well as for disabled individuals. A total of 86,462 applications for home voting have been approved, ensuring that all eligible voters can participate without barriers. Additionally, polling stations are equipped with ramps and wheelchair access to assist disabled voters. As the voting unfolds, the attention of the nation remains on Maharashtra, where the outcome will determine the political landscape of the state for the coming years. The enthusiasm and participation of voters today will play a crucial role in shaping that future.