New Delhi [India], November 20 : Bharatiya Janata Party National President JP Nadda on Wednesday urged all voters to come in large numbers to exercise their rights in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections.
In a post on X, Nadda said, "I urge all my brothers and sisters, especially the youth of Maharashtra, to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right to vote. Seize this opportunity to actively contribute to our vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' and play a significant role in Maharashtra's continued development."
"Your single vote has the power to shape the future of the state and drive it toward becoming a one trillion-dollar economy. As this day dawns, make sure to participate in the democratic process and encourage others to do the same," he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters in Jharkhand and Maharashtra to participate with full enthusiasm in the voting taking place on Wednesday.
Voting in Maharashtra also began at 7 am today and will conclude at 6 pm. Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies.
A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting the elections, including 2,086 independents. The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and the NCP 59. The Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 86. The BSP is contesting 237 seats, while other smaller parties are also in the fray. The state has approximately 9.7 crore registered voters.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. Mumbai Police has deployed over 25,000 personnel, including riot-control teams and home guards. According to the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate, more than 2,000 police officers and over 25,000 police personnel are on duty to maintain law and order during the elections.
Shifting alliances, ideological conflicts, complex caste dynamics, and emotional appeals have characterised the battle for power in the Maharashtra Assembly. The primary contest is between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), while the opposition MVA comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and the Congress won 44. In 2014, the BJP claimed 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42.