On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to voters in both Jharkhand and Maharashtra to cast their ballots with enthusiasm, as voting began for crucial state assembly elections in both regions.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Today, voting will take place for all the seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections. I urge the voters of the state to participate enthusiastically and enhance the vibrancy of this festival of democracy. On this occasion, I appeal to all young and female voters to come forward and vote in large numbers.”
आज महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा चुनाव की सभी सीटों के लिए वोट डाले जाएंगे। राज्य के मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ इसका हिस्सा बनें और लोकतंत्र के उत्सव की रौनक बढ़ाएं। इस अवसर पर सभी युवा और महिला मतदाताओं से अपील है कि वे बढ़ चढ़कर वोट डालें।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2024
Voting in Maharashtra commenced at 7 AM and will conclude at 6 PM.
The election spans all 288 assembly constituencies, with 4,136 candidates in the race, including a large number of independent candidates.
The major political players include the BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, and smaller parties like the BSP.
The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena is in the fray for 81, and the NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.
On the opposition side, Congress has 101 candidates, while Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP have 95 and 86 candidates, respectively.
Smaller parties, including the BSP, are also active in the race.
Maharashtra has approximately 9.7 crore eligible voters, making this election highly significant in the state’s political landscape.
Every Vote Strengthens the State: PM Modi
Simultaneously, the second and final phase of voting for Jharkhand’s assembly elections began at 7 AM on Wednesday, covering the remaining 38 seats.
“Today marks the second and final phase of the great festival of democracy in Jharkhand. I urge all voters to actively participate and set a new record for voter turnout. On this occasion, I extend a special congratulations to all the young voters casting their vote for the first time. Every single vote you cast is a strength for the state,” PM Modi posted on X.
झारखंड में आज लोकतंत्र के महापर्व का दूसरा और आखिरी चरण है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे इसमें बढ़-चढ़कर भागीदारी करें और वोटिंग का नया रिकॉर्ड बनाएं। इस अवसर पर पहली बार वोट डालने जा रहे अपने सभी युवा साथियों का मैं विशेष अभिनंदन करता हूं। आपका एक-एक मत राज्य की ताकत है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2024
The first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections was held on 13 November, covering 43 of the 81 constituencies.
The elections have seen intense competition between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Congress alliance, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA alliance, which is aiming to unseat the incumbent government.
In Maharashtra, the contest is fierce, with notable candidates from both major alliances, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of the BJP, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and former Union Minister Milind Deora from the Congress.
In Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA coalition is targeting key constituencies, with prominent candidates like former Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar in the fray.
The ruling alliance, meanwhile, is focused on retaining power in the state, where the incumbent Hemant Soren government has been under significant pressure from opposition forces.
Also Read: Polling Underway In Maharashtra: Voting Across 288 Seats Until 6 PM
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