Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 15.9% by 11 AM in the fifth and final phase of polling. This phase covers 10 constituencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and three constituencies in North Maharashtra. The six constituencies in Mumbai are under intense scrutiny, marking the first major election since the Shiv Sena split.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Mumbai witnessed its highest voter turnout in 30 years at 55.4%. Apart from the six Mumbai seats, the current elections include four constituencies in MMR: Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, and Palghar. North Maharashtra’s three seats are Nashik, Dindori, and Dhule. In the 2014 and 2019 elections, the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena secured all 10 seats in the MMR region.
As of 11 AM, voter turnout was as follows: Mumbai North 14.7%, Mumbai North Central 15.7%, Mumbai North East 17%, Mumbai North West 17.5%, Mumbai South 12.8%, and Mumbai South Central 16.7%. In MMR, Bhiwandi recorded 14.8%, Palghar 18.6%, Thane 14.8%, and Kalyan 11.5%. In North Maharashtra, Nashik saw 16.3%, Dhule 17.4%, and Dindori 19.5%.
Concerns have arisen about the turnout, given the peak summer heat, with temperatures at 33 degrees Celsius and high humidity, as well as the overlap with school summer vacations.
Candidates and celebrities were seen voting at polling stations. Among them were film stars Hema Malini and Anil Kapoor. Actor Shabana Azmi encouraged voters, saying, “Everyone should come out and vote. It is our duty as citizens.”
Former MP Milind Deora, who switched from Congress to Shiv Sena, remarked, “It’s the first time since 2004 that I am not a candidate. It’s also the first time in 45 years that no Deora is contesting from South Mumbai. It feels strange.”
Shiv Sena’s South Central candidate Rahul Shewale expressed hope for a strong turnout, urging voters to exercise their democratic rights. Anil Desai, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate for South Mumbai, participating in his first Lok Sabha election, commented, “The public has been given assurances which have not been fulfilled. The voter is wise.”
Yamini Jadhav, Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbai South, stated, “I did not enter politics for any selfish reason.” The Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Mumbai South also expressed optimism, saying, “There has been a good response so far. People are voting to uphold democracy.”
Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar noted, “We are seeing a good response in voting despite the heat and the humidity.”
