Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Key Updates and Insights
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are heating up as the state prepares for polling on November 20, 2024. The political landscape is witnessing intense competition between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Congress-NCP-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Here are the latest developments:
Traffic Restrictions in Navi Mumbai
To ensure a smooth election process, the Navi Mumbai Traffic Department has implemented temporary traffic regulations at four key locations. These changes will be in effect from November 18 until the completion of the vote counting process on November 23.
Goregaon Constituency Battle
In Mumbai’s Goregaon constituency, BJP’s Vidya Thakur faces a tough battle against Sena UBT’s Sameer Desai. Thakur, the sitting MLA, is seeking her third consecutive term. The constituency has historically been a stronghold for both Shiv Sena and BJP.
Congress Expels Rebel Candidate
The Congress party has expelled Jayshree Patil for contesting as an independent candidate in the Sangli constituency against the party’s official nominee. This move follows the suspension of 16 other rebel candidates who stood against the MVA’s official candidates.
With the campaigns reaching their final stages, key political figures, including PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, have been actively rallying in Mumbai. The outcome of these elections will significantly impact the political dynamics in Maharashtra.
Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Phase 1 Highlights
Jharkhand is also gearing up for its assembly elections, with the first phase of polling held on November 13, 2024. Here are the key highlights:
Voter Turnout and Key Constituencies
The first phase saw a voter turnout of 64.86% across 43 assembly constituencies in 15 districts. Key constituencies include Jamshedpur East, Jamshedpur West, and Jagannathpur. High-profile candidates in this phase include former Chief Minister Champai Soren and Health Minister Banna Gupta.
Richest Candidate in Phase 2
As the state prepares for the second phase of polling on November 20, the richest candidate in this phase is Aquil Akhtar from the Samajwadi Party, with a declared net worth of ₹400 crore. The contest in Jharkhand is primarily between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Security and Polling Arrangements
The Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements, with 950 polling booths identified as “sensitive” across 31 constituencies. The first phase involved 683 candidates, including 73 women, competing for legislative seats.
The results of the Jharkhand Assembly elections will be declared on November 23, 2024, along with those of Maharashtra. These elections are crucial for both states, as they will shape the political landscape for the coming years.