Polling for the fifth and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra took place on May 20. Six constituencies in Mumbai, Bhiwandi, Nashik, Dindori, Dhule, Thane, Kalyan, and Palghar participated in the voting process. The voter turnout in Maharashtra reached 54.33 percent, with some polling stations in Mumbai experiencing slow voting while minority areas like Kurla, Bandra, Malvani, Chandivali, Mira Road, and Mumbra witnessed a rapid voting pace.
Significant political developments occurred in Maharashtra over the past two years. This year's election was notable due to the alliance of Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi in the state. Mahavikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena Thackeray Group, Nationalist Congress Sharad Pawar Group, and Congress, led to voters supporting the leading party rather than their usual party affiliations.
Congress MLA Amin Patel, traditionally aligned with Congress, publicly announced voting for the Shiv Sena Thackeray group for the first time during this election cycle. During the Lok Sabha elections' fifth phase, reports indicated heightened voter participation in Mumbai's minority areas. Former minister Naseem Khan and Congress MLA Amin Patel noted a significant turnout in these regions, with Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh expressing optimism for Mahavikas Aghadi's success.
Naseem Khan remarked on the minority community's enthusiastic voting behavior, highlighting their dedication even in challenging conditions. A Congress representative from Mumbai North Central mentioned the minorities' substantial turnout across various constituencies, suggesting a shift in support away from other political parties.
Congress MLA Amin Patel expressed confidence in Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant winning by a significant margin in the Mumbai South constituency. Patel, traditionally affiliated with Congress, emphasized his decision to support the Shiv Sena Thackeray group for the first time during this election cycle.
