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Assembly Elections 2024 Live Updates | Maharashtra records 45.53% voter turnout; Jharkhand sees 61.47% voting till 3 pmHello and welcome to today's live blog ! A voter turnout of 45.53% was recorded till 3 pm on Wednesday in Maharashtra, where polling is under way in all 288 assembly constituencies, election officials said. Polling began at 7 am in the state assembly elections, where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is vying to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine is hoping for a strong comeback. Voting will continue till 6 pm. Meanwhile, In the second and final phase of polling in Jharkhand, nearly 61.47% of around 1.23 crore voters exercised their franchise on Wednesday in 38 assembly constituencies. Stay tuned to DH to get all latest updates related to the assembly elections.
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 Watch | Ambanis cast their vote 

3 pm voter turnout figures are in. Here's a statewise breakdown

A voter turnout of 45.53% per cent was recorded in Maharashtra as of 3 pm, according to the EC's Voter Turnout App. Jharkhand sees 61.47% voting till 3 pm

Clash broke out between Shiv Sena candidate & Independent candidate in Nandgaon Assembly Constituency

Clash broke out between Shiv Sena candidate Suhas Kande & Independent candidate Sameer Bhujbal in Nandgaon Assembly Constituency.

'We should not take this day as a holiday,' says actor Aamir Ali

"Each and every person has to vote. We should vote, not take this day as a holiday," says actor Aamir Ali.

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Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor cast vote in Mumbai

Maharashtra | Fashion designer Manish Malhotra casts his vote at a polling booth in Pali Hill area of Mumbai

Singer Rahul Vaidya and his wife, actor Disha Parmar leave a polling booth in Mumbai after casting their vote for the

Actor Ranbir Kapoor casts vote in Mumbai

Today is a very auspicious day: Kailash Kher

I want to tell the first-time voters that it is cool to vote: Anupam Kher

"I cast my vote every time and I feel that responsibilities come with rights. When we demand our rights, then it is also our responsibility to elect the candidate of our choice. I want to tell the first-time voters that it is cool to vote and it would be wonderful if they come out and vote," says actor Anupam Kher

Ladli Behna Yojana is an effective scheme and women are voting in large numbers for their brother: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde

"The atmosphere is good, people are coming out of their homes to vote. People are happy with the development work that has been done in the last two and a half years. Ladli Behna Yojana is an effective scheme and women are voting in large numbers for their brother. We are doing the politics of development."

Nitin Gadkari slams Election Commission

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and his family members show their fingers marked with indelible ink after casting votes during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Nagpur, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

Credit: PTI Photo

As voters faced problems in Nagpur, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister  and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari slammed the Election Commission for irregularities in the voters list.“The Election Commission must take note of it…there should be proper electoral rolls…people who have passed away their names are there…however, those who have registered, their names do not figure,” said Gadkari, a senior minister in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.The EC should address the issue of voter enrolment process, citing irregularities in the inclusion of names in the voters' list, said Gadkari, who is known to call a spade a spade.The current system was causing disappointment to many people, he said making his displease known to the poll body.

Jharkhand polls: Presiding officer replaced after allegations of favouring candidate

Jharkhand BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Wednesday said he had filed a complaint with the Election Commission against a presiding officer for allegedly "favouring a ruling party candidate" in Madhupur assembly constituency during voting.

Dubey claimed that following his complaint, the officer was arrested.

"I filed a complaint with the Election Commission against the presiding officer at booth number 111 in Madhupur, Deoghar district, for favouring Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate and Minister Hafizul Hassan. The commission took my complaint seriously and arrested the officer," Dubey told reporters in Deoghar.

IN PICS  | Celebs cast vote in Maharashtra Assembly elections

"Go out and vote, celebrate democracy," says actor Sonali Bendre

Actors Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani cast their vote in Mumbai

The people who are frustrated and who know that they are going to lose keep making allegations against others: Praful Patel

"Mahayuti is going to come to power in Maharashtra because of the work we have done for women, farmers and youth. Maharashtra is getting huge investments...The people who are frustrated and who know that they are going to lose keep making allegations against others. We are not doing that because we know the public is voting for us on the basis of our work..."

Rakesh Roshan casts vote in Mumbai

Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar says, "I am confident that the Maha Vikas Aghadi will come to power in Maharashtra..."

MAHARASHTRA | Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini and her daughter, actor Esha Deol, cast their vote

Voter turnout toll 1 pm:  Jharkhand - 47.92% Maharashtra - 32.18%

NCP leader Praful Patel says "We are going to get around 175 seats. We will have a clear majority and we are coming back to power."

Amid voting for assembly polls, Rs 60 lakh cash seized in Chandrapur district

A flying squad of the Election Commission on Wednesday seized Rs 60 lakh in the Rajura constituency in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, where assembly polls are underway, an official said.

Poll officials raided a house at Gadchandur and confiscated the cash and some campaign material, he said.

Altercation between rival candidates in Nashik; officials say voting unaffected

A heated argument took place on Wednesday between Shiv Sena candidate Suhas Kande and independent nominee Sameer Bhujbal over the identity of some voters at a polling centre in Maharashtra's Nashik district, officials said.

Police and poll authorities later reached the spot, they said, adding the situation was in control and polling was not affected due to the incident.

Every vote matters: Tushar Kapoor urges citizens to vote

The common man will not be lured and they know their real issues: Lyricist Gulzar

"... People eagerly wait to turn 18 so that they can exercise their right to vote. Chosing a government is their right. And it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that youngsters come out to vote... The glamorous gifts which are being promised to the common man in return for votes, should not be done. The common man will not be lured and they know their real issues": Lyricist Gulzar

MAHARASHTRA | Actor Anupam Kher casts his vote

Raymond Group chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania casts vote

Credit: X/@PTI

Narayan Rane votes in Sindhudurg

"I am whatever I am because of Balasaheb Thackeray. I left Shiv Sena because of Uddhav Thackeray. His thoughts are not good. They are not going to get more than 10-12 seats. 161 MLAs of Mahayuti are going to win and then the alliance of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena will come to power...Whatever happened with Vinod Tawde was not right. He is a senior leader, this should not have happened...," Narayan Rane said.

Lyricist Gulzar arrives for cast vote in Bandra

"Maharashtra elections are going on. BJP and its alliance partners are duplicitous and give false promises. We have implemented all the programmes and people have decided to vote for MVA. I am sure that MVA will come to power," says Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivkumar

Actor Sunil Shetty cast his vote in Mumbai

Kalpana Soren visits polling station where she alleged voting process was slow

Voter turnout of 31.37% recorded in 38 assembly seats till 11 am in second and final phase of Jharkhand polls

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran encourages people to vote in Maharashtra

"It is a precious privilege to have the opportunity to exercise voting, and I am absolutely delighted that we have this privilege, and I would encourage everyone to turn out and exercise their option and vote today," says Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran as he casts his vote at a polling booth in Peddar Road, Mumbai.

"I am happy, I am father of Eknath Shinde. I want to bless people," says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's father Sambhaji Shinde as he comes out to vote.

"Today is a very auspicious day and a day of celebration dedicated to democracy. This is a festival that enriches and strengthens democracy. Everyone should participate in it," says CM Eknath Shinde

18.14 per cent voter turnout till 11 am in Maharashtra assembly elections; 15.78 per cent voting in Mumbai so far: Official

MAHARASHTRA | Former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and their son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray arrive at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their votes

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde along with his family show their inked fingers after voting

MAHARASHTRA | Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar casts his vote

MAHARASHTRA | Union Minister Raksha Khadse casts her vote

Maharashtra: 21 EVMs replaced in Hingoli during mock polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday met with the Presidents of Brazil, Chile and Argentina here and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various areas such as defence, energy, biofuels and agriculture.

Modi, who arrived here on Sunday after concluding a two-day trip to Nigeria, held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and complimented him on various efforts of Brazil during their G20 Presidency.

Apart from Supriya Sule and Nana Patole, there are some other big players: BJP MP Sambit Patra on allegations against Supriya Sule and Nana Patole

"...There are 4 such audios of Supriya Sule... Today Supriya Sule is saying that this is AI generated, this is not my voice whereas her own brother is saying that this is her voice. So very clearly we can hear what instructions Supriya Sule is giving and not only Supriya Sule, you can also see Nana Patole how he is giving instructions to Amitabh Gupta who is the commissioner...In the chat that has taken place in the chat box, in Signal app, apart from Supriya Sule and Nana Patole, there are some other big players. If there is any biggest player in this game of loot and corruption in this country, then it is Sonia ji and Rahul ji. And the way these things are happening allegedly and crores of rupees are involved in it, 235 crores rupees which we are hearing... We would like Rahul ji to hold a press conference on this and also give clarification from his side that did he not give instructions to Nana Patole? The way Supriya Sule is instructing that don't play games with me, I need money immediately. And this transaction of Rs 235 crore is happening from Dubai, what is the reality behind it?...": BJP MP Sambit Patra

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis appeals to Maharashtra citizens to vote

"The biggest festival in democracy is being celebrated now. Me and my family have cast our votes. I would like to appeal to brothers and sisters of Maharashtra to vote as it is not just our right, but our responsibility as well," says Deputy CM and BJP candidate from Nagpur South West Assembly constituency Devendra Fadnavis after voting

The Election Commission has made good arrangements, smooth voting is happening, there is no problem: Piyush Goyal

"In six months from the LS elections, the time has come to decide the fortune of Maharashtra. I was seeing the response of people at all the six constituencies of North Mumbai since morning, I am happy that people are coming out in large numbers, and are eager to vote. The Election Commission has made good arrangements, smooth voting is happening, there is no problem. I hope there would be more than 60 pc voter turnout. I would like to appeal people to vote, it is not just a vote, you will be the craftsman to decide the future of Maharashtra, and Mumbai... We will keep Maharashtra as number one state," says Union Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal

Will teach dishonest BJP a lesson in a very systematic way, says Nana Patole

On allegations against him and Supriya Sule, Maharashtra Congress president & party's candidate from Sakoli, Nana Patole says "The entire country knows my voice. PM Modi knows my voice very well. BJP has started such kind of politics as they are afraid to lose. Yesterday Vinod Tade was caught distributing money and liquor was found in the storehouse of Devendra Fandnis' PA. These people want to bring Vote jihad and liquor jihad to Maharashtra...Yesterday itself, we issued a defamation notice to him and also registered an FIR. Our legal cell will get the matter rectified. Our government is coming, we will teach such dishonest BJP a lesson in a very systematic way..."

Voting is a festival of democracy, and I want to appeal to people to use their fundamental right to vote and strengthen the democracy: Nitin Gadkari

"Maharashtra is a progressive, prosperous and rich state of the country. This state receives maximum foreign investment. There's good Industrial development in the state. One of the most important things is that agriculture export is also rising. It is a role model for the state. A good government and leadership can change Maharashtra's future. Voting is a festival of democracy, and I want to appeal to people to use their fundamental right to vote and strengthen the democracy. I believe we will win the election with a good majority," says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

MAHARASHTRA VIDHAN SABHA VOTER TURNOUT OVER THE YEARS

2004 - 11th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: 63.4 %

2009 - 12th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: 59.6 %

2014 - 13th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: 63.08 %

2019 - 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: 61.1 %

Anil Deshmukh incident 'fake' says Devendra Fadnavis, 'sure our Ladki Bahin will support us'

Police have registered a case against four unidentified persons on charges of attempt to murder after NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader and former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured in stone pelting at his car in Nagpur, officials said on Tuesday. The incident, which triggered a slugfest between the ruling BJP and the opposition party, took place at around 8 pm on Monday and Anil Deshmukh was later admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, from where he was discharged on Tuesday. 

I am sure our Ladki Bahin will support us: Devendra Fadnavis

MAHARASHTRA |  Kartik Aaryan cast his vote

Vinod Tawde didn't indulge in any cash for vote: BJP leader Vinod Tawde

"All of this is false. Vinod Tawde didn't indulge in any cash for vote. He had a meeting...Senior leaders of the BJP and he have clearly said earlier that nothing like this has happened."

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole casts vote

BJP only wants to talk about division, not development, says Kalpana Soren

Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren & JMM candidate for Gandey assembly by-election, says, "This is the first time after the formation of Jharkhand that the women in the state have been given their respect that they deserve...Hemant Soren has been working very well as a young Chief Minister. They (BJP) do not want to talk about development, they only want to talk about division. We are definitely going to form our government in the state..."

Musician Vishal Dadlani urges citizens to come out and vote

"I appeal to you please come and vote. It is ridiculous that we have to appeal to come and cast your votes. This is your state, your country, if there is love for the country then please come and cast your votes. Rural Maharashtra is charged up to vote..."Musician Vishal Dadlani

Union Minister Piyush Goyal casts his vote at a polling station in Mumbai

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole takes blessings from family ahead of voting

'Don't cheat your state Maharashtra,' Subhash Ghai tells voters urging them to vote

"I would like to appeal to everyone to vote, this is our right and duty. Whoever they should vote, but vote. My main issue is education. I would vote for a candidate who talk about development of Maharashtra, and welfare of kids as well. I would ask people not to procrastinate, then you will not have the right to go on social media (write), don't cheat your state Maharashtra, come out for a while," says veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai

JHARKHAND | "Counting will happen on November 23, but BJP will definitely win. People have chosen BJP for change and protection of 'Maati, Beti, Roti'," says BJP candidate from Chandankiyari seat Amar Kumar Bauri

Union Minister Piyush Goyal arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote

MVA will form govt in Maharashtra, both my brothers are going to win, says Riteish Deshmukh

Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza cast their votes at a polling station in Latur

6.61% recorded till 9 am in Maharashtra Election 2024

12.71% voter turnout recorded till 9 am in the second and final phase of Jharkhand Election 2024

Ajit, Sharad Pawar, and Supriya Sule vote as Maharashtra polls see family rivalries play out

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar casts vote in Maharashtra

Credit: X/@ANI

"People should vote and I am confident that people of Maharashtra will vote in large numbers in a peaceful manner. After 23 November, it will be clear who will be given the responsibility of forming the government in the state," he said after voting.

Maharashtra Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar casts vote

Sachin Tendulkar, Sonu Sood, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar cast vote in Maharashtra

Maharashtra |  NCP candidate from Bandra East, Zeeshan Siddiqui casts his vote

Actor Sonu Sood leaves from a polling booth in Mumbai after casting his vote

Credit: X/@ANI

"It is everybody's responsibility to go out and vote. It's very important for the country..."

Maharashtra | NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar arrives at a polling station

Sachin Tendulkar votes in Mumbai

Jharkhand | We will get full majority, and form the government, says ys BJP candidate from Chandankiyari Amar Kumar Bauri

"It is the morning of hope for Jharkhand. Twenty five years of Jharkhand is going to complete. The people are going to choose a government which will rule for five years. There is an atmosphere to save 'maati-beti-roti'. I am going to vote. We will get full majority, and form the government," says BJP candidate from Chandankiyari Amar Kumar Bauri.

Ajit Pawar casts vote, urges citizens to exercise their fundamental right

Credit: X/@AjitPawarSpeaks

Today in Katewadi, as a responsible citizen of this country, I exercised my right to vote with my family. The people of the state are requested to exercise their fundamental right to vote, give their valuable vote to the right leadership and play an important role in strengthening the democracy: Ajit Pawar

Without MNS government would not be formed in Maharashtra, said Amit Thackeray, the son of Raj Thackeray

Actor Gautami Kapoor casts vote in Maharashtra assembly elections

Credit: X/@PTI

"I have cast my vote. It's very important to vote and everyone should do it. Whether you are old or young, please make yourself available because one vote can change the country," says actor Gautami Kapoor

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule casts her vote at a polling station in Baramati.

Credit: X/@ANI

Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, S. Chockalingam casts his vote in Colaba constituency

Chief Secretary Dr Sujata Saunik votes in Mumbai

Credit: DGIPR Maharashtra

Farhan Akhtar votes in Mumbai

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote

Akshay Kumar, Guv Radhakrishnan, BMC Commissioner among early voters in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan cast his vote for the 2024 Assembly Elections at 7 am at the polling booth under the 185-Malabar Hill Assembly Constituency in the Raj Bhavan Club polling both in Mumbai.

BMC Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani shows his inked finger after casting his vote for Maharashtra

Credit: X/@ANI

What is the point of giving us the Constitutional right if we don't use it. The Constitution has given you the right... you have to elect your representative once in five years," says Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi after casting his vote in Nagpur

Shiv Sena candidate from Mumba Devi seat, Shaina NC and her daughter Shanaya Munot cast their votes

Eknath Shinde will continue to work for development for the next five years: Prakash Shinde, brother of Maharashtra CM

"Eknath Shinde has done good developmental work. He has led the state well and we believe he will continue to work for development for the next five years. Kedar Dighe is contesting against him (Eknath Shinde)... let's see if he loses deposit and how many votes he gets," says Prakash Shinde, brother of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, after casting his vote in Thane.

Watch: People queue up outside polling booth in Dumka

A basic duty of every citizen, says Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan as he casts his vote

Audio clip has their voices, I can figure out from their tone, says Ajit Pawar on allegations against Supriya Sule and Nana Patole

Hopeful of winning with big margin: Ajit Pawar

PM Modi urges voters to participate in polling with full enthusiasm

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat casts his vote in Nagpur

Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Voting under way in all 288 seats

Ajit Pawar speaks to media as he arrives at a polling station in Baramati

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arrives to cast his vote in Nagpur

Mock polling under way at a polling booth in Thane

Polling will begin in all 288 assembly seats at 7 am and end at 6 pm

Watch: Mock polling being done at Shamarao Bapu Kapgate Sr. College Sakoli under Sakoli Assembly constituency of Bhandara district

38 assembly constituencies of Jharkhand to vote in second phase

Jharkhand voted on 41 assembly seats in the first phase on November 13.

K Ravi Kumar, Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer, on preparations 

Visuals from a polling booth in Baramati's Sawal

Watch: Preparations on at a polling booth in Vivekanand Nagar, Nagpur

All 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra will vote in a single phase on November 20. Polling will begin at 7 am and go on till 6 pm. In Jharkhand, voting is also expected to begin at 7 in the morning.  

'Hit me or shoot me, Anil Deshmukh will not die,' former minister vows to 'teach BJP a lesson'

A day after he sustained serious injuries on his head in an incident of stone-pelting in Nagpur, former home minister Anil Deshmukh vowed to teach BJP a lesson even as the saffron party claimed that the incident was a political stunt by the NCP (SP) leader.

Read more

Congress urges EC to take action against BJP's Vinod Tawde over 'cash-for-votes' allegations

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi used Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'ek hai toh safe hei' (if one stands united, then they will be safe) slogan to attack the BJP.

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Maharashtra all set to vote tomorrow; Jharkhand's election battle heads to second round

Voting for all the 288 seats in Maharashtra and the second phase of 38 seats in Jharkhand will be held on Wednesday in which the BJP and the I.N.D.I.A bloc parties are heading for close contest.

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Stage set for final phase of Jharkhand assembly elections; NDA, I.N.D.I.A. to vie for 38 seats

This phase will decide the electoral fate of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren (both JMM), and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri (BJP) besides more than 500 other candidates who are contesting in 38 of the total 81 assembly seats. (PTI)