Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2023: Campaign Concludes, Voting Set for November 20
The election campaign for the Maharashtra assembly polls concluded on Monday, November 18, as the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance seeks to retain power, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance aims for a strong comeback. Polling is set for
Maharashtra ElectionsBjpMaha Vikas AghadiPollingElection CampaignReal Estate MaharashtraNov 18, 2024
The election campaign was intense, with prominent leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra making numerous appearances to boost their party's candidates. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is banking on its flagship schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin, which has been well-received by women voters.
However, the BJP's use of slogans like “Batenge toh katenge” (If they speak, we will cut them) and “Ek hai toh safe hai” (One is safe if there is one) has been a point of contention. These slogans have been criticized by opposition parties for allegedly polarizing voters along religious lines. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), has strongly condemned the use of such slogans by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Modi.
Not all BJP allies have supported these slogans. Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister, distanced himself from them, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted to clarify the meanings, leading to internal confusion within the ruling alliance.
In response to the ruling alliance's aggressive campaign, the MVA has focused on issues like a caste-based census, social justice, and the protection of the Constitution. The opposition has been reaching out to voters who feel marginalized by the current government, aiming to garner their support.
The BJP launched a new ad campaign on the final day of the campaign, urging voters to “Say No to Congress.” The ads highlighted past incidents such as the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the lynching of Sadhus at Palghar, aiming to paint the opposition in a negative light.
In terms of seat allocation, the BJP is contesting in 149 seats, the Shiv Sena in 81 seats, and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar in 59 constituencies. The Congress has fielded 101 candidates, the Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and the NCP (SP) 86 candidates. Smaller parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) are also in the fray, with the BSP fielding 237 candidates and the AIMIM 17 in the 288-member Lower House.
The number of candidates has significantly increased by 28 percent compared to the 2019 state assembly elections. This year, 4,136 candidates are contesting, up from 3,239 in 2019. Among these, 2,086 are independents, and rebels are contesting in over 150 constituencies against their party's official nominees.
The number of registered voters has also risen to 9,63,69,410, up from 8,94,46,211 in 2019, with the addition of 69,23,199 new voters. Special enrolment drives have been successful in attracting younger and first-time voters, with 20,93,206 first-time voters aged 18-19. The state's electorate also includes 6,36,278 voters with disabilities and 1,16,355 voters from the armed forces. Additionally, 12,43,192 voters are over the age of 85, including 47,716 centenarians.
To accommodate the increased number of voters, there will be 1,00,186 polling booths this time, compared to 96,654 in the 2019 assembly elections. Approximately six lakh state government employees will be deployed for election duties.
The election in Maharashtra promises to be closely contested, with both alliances pulling out all stops to secure a victory. The results on November 23 will determine the future of the state's political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Maharashtra assembly elections taking place?
The Maharashtra assembly elections are taking place on November 20, 2023.
What is the Mahayuti alliance?
The Mahayuti alliance is a ruling coalition in Maharashtra comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
What are the main issues highlighted by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance?
The MVA alliance has focused on issues such as a caste-based census, social justice, and the protection of the Constitution.
How many new voters have been added for the 2023 elections?
The number of registered voters has increased by 69,23,199, bringing the total to 9,63,69,410.
How many polling booths will be set up for the 2023 Maharashtra elections?
There will be 1,00,186 polling booths set up for the 2023 Maharashtra elections, up from 96,654 in 2019.
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