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Preliminary estimates indicate more than 50 per cent voting was recorded in all the 10 constituencies in Maharashtra that went to the polls on Thursday. Overall, the State reported 55 per cent voting by 5.30 pm.
Polling was held for six Lok Sabha constituencies in Marathwada region, three in Vidarbha and one in western Maharashtra. The process remained peaceful throughout. Voters lined up to cast vote early in the morning to avoid the scorching summer heat.
Urging people to vote
Politicos across party lines and district administration officials urged people to cast vote as many villages had announced plans to boycott the polls, alleging that no attention was being paid to farmers’ distress. The severity of drought is maximum in Maharashtra with 85.76 lakh hectare affected This has a direct impact on over 82 lakh farmers in the State, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha.
While the BJP-Sena and the NCP-Congress alliance interpreted voter-turnout in their favour, political pundits predict close contests in the region and much depends on how many votes Prakash Ambedkar’s third front bags.
Former Union Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, former State CM Ashok Chavan and BR Ambedkar’s grandson Prakash voted in the second phase of polls today.
For the latest on elections, click: Elections 2019
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