Maharashtra Elections 2024: Record 65.11% Voter Turnout, Highest Since 1995
The Maharashtra Assembly elections held on November 20, 2024, recorded a voter turnout of 65.11%, the highest since 1995, when 71.69% of voters participated. The updated figures, released by the Election Commission on Thursday, mark a significant increase compared to recent elections, reflecting growing public engagement in the state’s democratic process.
Turnout Insights and Trends
This year’s turnout surpasses the 61.39% recorded during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 61.4% seen in the 2019 state elections. It also exceeded the 63.5% turnout in the 2014 Assembly polls and 59% in 2009.
Mumbai, historically known for its low voter participation, saw an estimated 54% turnout this year, an improvement from 50.67% in 2019 and 51.21% in 2014. In earlier elections, Mumbai struggled to cross the 50% mark, recording 46.1% in 2009 and 44.9% in 1999. The financial capital’s increasing participation, though still below the state average, is seen as a positive trend.
High-Stakes Political Battle
The elections featured a fierce contest between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.
- Mahayuti Alliance: Comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, the alliance contested 288 seats with BJP fielding candidates in 149, Shiv Sena in 81, and NCP in 59.
- MVA Coalition: The opposition camp consisted of Congress (101 seats), the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray (95 seats), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction (86 seats).
Exit polls predict the Mahayuti alliance is likely to retain power, but the actual results, scheduled to be announced on November 23, will determine the outcome.
Campaign Highlights
The campaign saw high-profile rallies featuring top national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others. The leaders emphasized key issues such as economic growth, unemployment, infrastructure, and law and order to sway voters.
The MVA, buoyed by its success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections where it won 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 seats, aimed to capitalize on its momentum. Meanwhile, the BJP-led Mahayuti focused on its governance record and stability.
Star Power and Public Engagement
Mumbai’s election day witnessed Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ranbir Kapoor, casting their votes. Their participation added a touch of glamour to the democratic exercise and served as a call to action for citizens to exercise their right to vote.
Gadchiroli Leads the Way
The Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district recorded the highest voter turnout in the state at 69.63%, showcasing an encouraging trend of political participation even in sensitive areas.
Election Day Details
Voting for Maharashtra’s 288 Assembly seats occurred in a single phase from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 4,100 candidates contested across 1,00,186 polling booths, up from 96,654 in the 2019 elections.
Controversies and Allegations
The elections were not without controversy.
- Police registered cases against BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde, BJP candidate Rajan Naik, and 250 others over allegations of a cash-for-vote scam.
- Allegations of financial misconduct involving Bitcoin transactions surfaced against Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole and NCP leader Supriya Sule, drawing criticism from the ruling alliance.
Political Flux in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has witnessed significant political turbulence since the 2019 Assembly elections. The Shiv Sena split in 2022, leading to Eknath Shinde’s alignment with the BJP, while the NCP saw a major divide in 2023 with Ajit Pawar joining hands with the BJP-led alliance. These shifts have redefined political alignments, making this election a critical test for all major parties.
Jharkhand Elections See Better Turnout
In Jharkhand, which held elections in two phases on November 13 and November 20, the voter turnout reached a provisional 68.45%, an improvement from 61.74% in 2019. The JMM-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA alliance are locked in a tight contest, with exit polls predicting a close fight.
Looking Ahead
As Maharashtra awaits the election results, the high voter turnout signals strong public interest and sets the stage for what could be a landmark election in the state’s history. The outcome will not only shape the immediate political landscape but also influence strategies for the upcoming national elections.