Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, Polling Date, Candidates List

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 has seen voters across the state actively participating in the democratic process. Maharashtra, being one of India’s most politically and economically significant states, attracts high voter interest, and the voter turnout percentage is closely monitored by political analysts and citizens alike.

This article provides insights into the voting percentage trends, district-wise turnout, and the importance of voter participation in the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024.

Maharashtra Election 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 comes amidst a backdrop of political realignments and challenges. The state assembly has been turbulent, with frequent coalition shifts and internal party disputes. The Election Commission has delayed announcing the exact dates for the elections, adding to the anticipation and uncertainty.

Election Time Table

Voter Demographics

Maharashtra has a total of 97 million eligible voters for the 2024 Assembly elections. This includes 2.22 million voters in the 18-19 age group and 47,392 centenarians, with the oldest voter being 109 years old. The gender breakdown shows 50.02 million men, 46.99 million women, and 6,101 voters from the third gender. Voting will take place on November 20, 2024, from 7 am to 6 pm, with a dry day observed during polling hours, meaning no alcohol sales. Exit poll results will be released after 6:30 pm on the same day, and the vote counting will occur on November 23, 2024.

BJP Candidate List for Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its candidate list for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. This crucial list includes 99 candidates who will contest in various constituencies across the state. The elections are set to take place on November 20, 2024, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23, 2024.

Key Highlights of the Candidate List

• Devendra Fadnavis will contest from Nagpur South West.
• Chandrashekhar Bawankule is set to run from Kamthi.
• The list retains 71 sitting MLAs and includes 13 women candidates.

Full Candidate List for Maharashtra

Here is the full list of the 99 candidates announced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024:

With six parties competing, the Maharashtra Election 2024 is shaping up to be a tough contest. The BJP is confident that the Mahayuti alliance will secure a comfortable majority, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party, aiming for a three-digit seat count and the alliance crossing 150 seats.

Key factors for BJP’s optimism include their direct fight with Congress in 76 seats, where they expect to win over 50. BJP is also relying on Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which has focused on development and the “Ladki Behan” scheme, outshining Uddhav Thackeray’s faction. Additionally, the BJP expects strong OBC support and the appeal of Prime Minister Modi’s “Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain” slogan, which they believe will unify voters and boost their chances.

Major Political Alliances in Maharashtra Election 2024

Mahayuti Alliance

• Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena: After splitting from the original Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde’s faction has aligned with the BJP, forming a significant part of the Mahayuti alliance.
• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): A major player in Maharashtra politics, the BJP’s alliance with Shinde’s Shiv Sena aims to consolidate their power in the state.
• Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Ajit Pawar: Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP adds weight to the Mahayuti alliance, further strengthening its position.

Maha Vikash Aghadi (MVA)

• Indian National Congress: A key player in the Maha Vikash Aghadi, the Congress is working to regain its foothold in Maharashtra politics.
• Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray: Led by Uddhav Thackeray, this faction of Shiv Sena is a crucial component of the Maha Vikash Aghadi.
• NCP – Sharad Pawar: Sharad Pawar’s faction continues to be a major force in Maharashtra, contributing to the Maha Vikash Aghadi’s strategy.
• Samajwadi Party: An ally in the Maha Vikash Aghadi, the Samajwadi Party seeks to influence the electoral outcomes in its favor.

Campaign Highlights

The election has witnessed high-decibel campaigns with rallies from key leaders of both alliances. Notable developments in Maharashtra’s political scenario include:

• Shiv Sena Split: Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation as CM in 2022 and Eknath Shinde’s rebellion, forming a BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) government.
• NCP Division: Ajit Pawar’s rebellion in 2023, aligning with the BJP-led government while Sharad Pawar leads a separate faction.

The MVA coalition now includes Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, and Shiv Sena (UBT). This coalition is focused on challenging the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Key Constituencies in Mumbai

Mumbai, a major battleground in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, has significant constituencies that are crucial for both alliances. The city is divided into:

• Mumbai City: 10 constituencies
• Mumbai Suburban: 26 constituencies

Notable constituencies include Dharavi, Malabar Hills, Colaba, Versova, Borivali, and Byculla. These areas are predominantly held by BJP and Shiv Sena members, with some seats occupied by the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party.

Election Dynamics and Challenges

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 will be marked by several key dynamics:

• Shiv Sena Split: The division of Shiv Sena into factions led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray has reshaped the political landscape. The impact of this split on voter sentiment and party alliances will be crucial.
• BJP’s Strategy: The BJP’s alliance with Eknath Shinde and its efforts to consolidate power will play a significant role in the election outcome.
• Congress and Maha Vikash Aghadi: The strategy of the Maha Vikash Aghadi, including its alliance with Congress and the challenge of regaining lost ground, will be a critical factor.
• Voter Concerns: Key issues such as economic development, infrastructure, and governance will influence voter decisions.

Previous Election Results

In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, the results were:

• BJP: 15 seats out of 36 in Mumbai
• Shiv Sena (united): 14 seats
• Indian National Congress: 5 seats
• Samajwadi Party: 1 seat
• AIMIM: 1 seat
• NCP: 0 seats

The Shiv Sena’s split has since altered the dynamics, with Eknath Shinde’s faction forming a coalition government with the BJP.

Current Assembly Term

The current Maharashtra State Assembly term will conclude on November 26, 2024. The Election Commission’s delayed announcement of election dates adds to the strategic planning by various political parties.

What’s Closed:

• Banks: All public and private banks in Maharashtra will be closed on November 20 due to the Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
• Stock Exchanges (NSE, BSE): Both stock exchanges in Mumbai will be closed for the day.
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed to allow participation in the elections.
• Offices: State government offices will be closed. Private-sector employees in Mumbai will also get a paid holiday. Emergency workers will have a 4-hour window to vote.
• Liquor Shops: All liquor shops in Maharashtra will be closed on election day.

What’s Open:

• Hospitals: Medical facilities and emergency services will be open as usual.
• Pharmacies: Open for essential medicines and healthcare supplies.
• Public Transport: Public transport, including Mumbai Metro and BEST buses, will operate normally to help voters reach polling stations.
• Essential Services: Police, fire departments, and other essential services will function normally.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 is set to be a landmark event, with a complex political landscape and high stakes for all major parties involved. As the Election Commission prepares to announce the election dates, the focus will remain on the shifting alliances, key constituencies, and voter concerns that will shape the outcome of the elections. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the election campaign progresses.

Sharing is caring!