CM Shinde predicts Uddhav Thackeray's defeat, expects '400-plus' seats for NDA

Eknath Shinde/ File Photo

Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has predicted that his Shiv Sena (UBT) challenger, Uddhav Thackeray, will be completely defeated in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. He also underlined that the BJP-led NDA will win more than 400 seats.

On Monday, CM Shinde, his wife Lata, and other family members voted at a polling location in Thane. He spoke with voters, thanked them for their support, and encouraged them to vote for the BJP to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in 2024, reported IANS.

According to the IANS report, criticising his rivals, CM Shinde stated that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would be wiped out following the elections on June 4. "Uddhav Thackeray has betrayed the mandate of the people of Maharashtra not once, but twice, to become the CM. He has compromised the teachings and the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe to ally with traitors to grab power. The masses will teach him an appropriate lesson after the elections," asserted Shinde.

Concerning his son, Dr Shrikant Shinde's prospects in the Kalyan constituency, where he is running against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vaishali Darekar-Rane, CM Shinde projected a record victory for his son, the report added.

"He has implemented immense development work in his constituency and the people have witnessed it. They will elect him for the third consecutive term (after 2014 and 2019), with an unprecedented winning margin," claimed Shinde.

Mumbai's voter turnout below 50 pc after 5 pm

According to the Election Commission of India, Maharashtra has recorded an average 48.66 per cent voter turnout. Cities like Mumbai and Thane are polling in this phase of the India General Elections 2024, which has in the past suffered from urban apathy in voting, per an ANI report.

Mumbai North recorded a turnout of 46.91 per cent; Mumbai North Central saw a turnout of 47.32 per cent, Mumbai North East saw a turnout of 48.67 per cent per cent, Mumbai North West recorded a turnout of 49.79 per cent. Mumbai South had the lowest turnout in the city with 44.22 per cent recorded till 5 pm. Mumbai South Central saw a turnout of 48.26 per cent.