The Assembly Elections of 2024 are underway, with Maharashtra and Jharkhand taking center stage. High-profile leaders like Sharad Pawar, Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray, and Ajit Pawar are battling for political dominance in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition is striving to retain power against the BJP-led NDA.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on voter turnout, political developments, and controversies shaping this crucial electoral battle.
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Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Stakes and Controversies
The Maharashtra elections are witnessing intense political competition. Regional heavyweights like Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar are putting their political clout to the test. Amidst the high-stakes contest, BJP leader Vinod Tawde has faced allegations of distributing cash to voters in Palghar. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized Tawde, calling it a “note jihad.”
Voter Turnout in Maharashtra
- By 11 AM: 18.14% voter turnout was recorded, with Mumbai reporting 15.78%.
- By 1 PM: Voter turnout increased to 32.18%.
Key Quotes
- Ajit Pawar urged citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged voters to participate with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation.
Jharkhand Assembly Elections: Final Round of Polling
In Jharkhand, the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition is aiming to retain power, while the BJP is working hard to make significant inroads.
Key Highlights
- Presiding Officer Controversy: Jharkhand BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused a presiding officer in Madhupur of favoring a JMM candidate. Following his complaint, the officer was replaced and reportedly arrested.
- Voter Turnout by 1 PM: Jharkhand recorded a robust turnout of 47.92%, showcasing strong participation.
High-Profile Personalities Urge Voters to Participate
Anupam Kher on Voting
Veteran actor Anupam Kher urged citizens, especially first-time voters, to cast their votes. He emphasized the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities, saying, “It is cool to vote and a wonderful responsibility.”
Shrikant Shinde on Development Work
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde highlighted the success of the Ladli Behna Yojana, which he said is drawing significant support from women voters.
Controversies and Electoral Issues
Nitin Gadkari Criticizes Electoral Roll Irregularities
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed disappointment with voter list discrepancies in Nagpur. He criticized the Election Commission for errors, citing cases where deceased individuals’ names remained on the rolls while new registrants were excluded. Gadkari urged the EC to address these issues to maintain voter confidence.
Key Takeaways from the Assembly Elections 2024
- Maharashtra’s High-Stakes Battle: The results will significantly impact the political careers of leaders like Sharad Pawar and Eknath Shinde.
- Jharkhand’s Close Contest: The BJP’s focus on Jharkhand reflects its ambition to wrest power from the ruling coalition.
- Voter Enthusiasm: Strong voter turnout in both states underscores the democratic engagement of citizens.
- Controversies and Challenges: Allegations of cash distribution, presiding officer bias, and voter list errors have raised concerns over election management.
As the polls progress, the results will determine the political landscape of these two crucial states, with implications for the national political narrative. Stay tuned for more updates!