Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: State Records 65.11% Voter Turnout, Highest in 30 Years
Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur Show Low Voter Enthusiasm; Kolhapur Leads with 82% Turnout
Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 Sees 65.11% Voter Turnout: Highest in 30 Years
The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a notable voter turnout of 65.11%, a significant increase from the turnout seen during the Lok Sabha elections held just six months ago. This is the highest percentage recorded in the last three decades, indicating a renewed interest among the citizens to participate in the democratic process. The voting continued in several districts till 9 PM, with a final consolidation of data reported at 11:45 PM.
Rural Voters Show Enthusiasm, Urban Areas Lag Behind
In the final hours of polling, rural areas saw a surge in voter participation, with many villages showcasing a strong turnout. In contrast, urban regions like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur displayed a relatively lower enthusiasm. Despite efforts by the Election Commission to boost participation in these metropolitan areas, the results were underwhelming compared to the rural counterparts.
Polling Extended in Some Districts Due to High Voter Turnout
Due to the surge in voter numbers, polling in some centers across Maharashtra, including parts of Nashik district, continued beyond the scheduled hours until 9 PM. This extension led to a delay in the release of district-wise data. Nonetheless, the average voter turnout till 6 PM was recorded at 65.11%, with the Election Commission acknowledging a historic turnout.
Kolhapur’s Kagal Constituency Leads, Kalyan West Lags Behind
In terms of district-specific turnout, Kolhapur’s Kagal constituency recorded the highest participation in the state, with a staggering 82% voter turnout. This constituency witnessed a heated contest between Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif and Samarjitsinh Ghatge of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). On the other hand, Kalyan West saw the lowest turnout, with only 41% of the electorate casting their votes, reflecting a stark urban-rural divide.
Efforts by the Election Commission to Increase Turnout in Major Cities
The Election Commission of Maharashtra made concerted efforts to encourage voting in the state’s four major cities: Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur. Special campaigns were launched to target urban voters, but the results remained modest. Despite these campaigns, Mumbai city and its suburbs recorded 52.07% and 55.77% turnout, respectively, showcasing the challenges in urban voter mobilization.
District-Wise Voting Turnout: A Detailed Look
Here’s a breakdown of the voter turnout in various districts across Maharashtra:
- Ahmednagar: 71.73%
- Akola: 64.98%
- Amravati: 65.57%
- Aurangabad: 68.89%
- Beed: 67.79%
- Bhandara: 69.42%
- Buldhana: 70.32%
- Chandrapur: 71.27%
- Dhule: 64.70%
- Gadchiroli: 73.68%
- Gondia: 69.53%
- Hingoli: 71.10%
- Jalgaon: 64.42%
- Jalna: 72.30%
- Kolhapur: 76.25%
- Latur: 66.92%
- Mumbai City: 52.07%
- Mumbai Suburb: 55.77%
- Nagpur: 60.49%
- Nanded: 64.92%
- Nandurbar: 69.15%
- Nashik: 67.57%
- Osmanabad: 64.27%
- Palghar: 65.95%
- Parbhani: 70.38%
- Pune: 61.05%
- Raigad: 67.23%
- Ratnagiri: 64.55%
- Sangli: 71.89%
- Satara: 71.71%
- Sindhudurg: 68.40%
- Solapur: 67.36%
- Thane: 56.05%
- Wardha: 68.30%
- Washim: 66.01%
- Yavatmal: 69.02%
These figures reflect a diverse participation trend across the state, with rural districts leading the way in voter enthusiasm.
A Historic Election for Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 stands out as a landmark event with a voter turnout of 65.11%, the highest in 30 years. The enthusiasm in rural areas contrasted with the indifference in urban centers, highlighting the challenges and successes of the Election Commission’s voter engagement efforts. As the state awaits the results, the significant participation has set a new benchmark for future elections, emphasizing the importance of each vote in shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape.
