Mumbai: Early voting in Maharashtra’s assembly elections recorded a turnout of 7.25% by 9:30 AM across its 288 constituencies, showing an active start. The state’s voter base has expanded to 97.02 million, reflecting an increase from 2019’s 89.83 million registered voters. Several polling stations reported technical issues that caused brief delays, but officials quickly resolved them to ensure smooth proceedings.
Nagpur remained a focal point, with prominent figures like Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar casting their votes early. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood personalities also stepped out to vote, encouraging citizens to participate actively.
The Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district registered the highest turnout in the early hours, reaching 14%, while urban centers like Mumbai city lagged slightly at 6.5%. The Election Commission noted that isolated cases of voter boycotts over unresolved local grievances occurred, including in Kannad, where over 1,400 residents abstained.
Prominent political leaders urged voters to focus on the state’s development. Fadnavis highlighted the government’s progress in infrastructure and welfare schemes, while NCP’s Sharad Pawar expressed optimism about the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s prospects.
Voting will continue until 6 PM, with real-time updates on the turnout and polling issues being monitored closely by the Election Commission.
