On Friday, Maharashtra, one of Bharat’s largest states, will start phase 1 of its general elections. This phase includes the polling of five Lok Sabha constituencies out of the state’s total 48. The commencement of voting in Maharashtra also marks the beginning of the extensive seven-phase electoral process across the country, involving a total of 97 seats in 20 states and Union territories.
Key Candidates and Constituencies
In this phase 1, prominent figures like Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and BJP minister Sudhir Mungantiwar are contesting from their respective constituencies. Gadkari seeks re-election from Nagpur, aiming for a third consecutive victory. Nagpur, being the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), holds significance for the ruling BJP, which draws ideological inspiration from the organization.
Another significant candidate is Sudhir Mungantiwar, representing the BJP, contesting from Chandrapur. Sunil Mendhe, the incumbent MP from Bhandara-Gondiya, also vies for another term under the BJP ticket.
In this phase, BJP is contesting in four constituencies, with its ally Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, contesting in one. The primary opposition to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance comes from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, comprising the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. Adding on, the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) is contesting in two constituencies.
Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, stands second only to Uttar Pradesh in terms of parliamentary representation. The state holds considerable political weight, with each constituency becoming a battleground for various political parties seeking to secure power in the national parliament. The results of these elections will significantly impact the political dynamics not only in Maharashtra but also at the national level.
Counting and Future Implications
The counting of votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats, including those from Maharashtra, is scheduled for June 4th, three days after the end of the final phase of polling.
The outcome of these elections will shape the course of governance and policy-making in the country for the coming years. As voters cast their ballots in the phase 1, the political landscape in Maharashtra braces for a transformative journey, with implications reverberating throughout the nation.
ALSO READ: “Lok Sabha Election 2024: Essential Documents for Voting in Phase 1- List here!”
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