India general elections 2024: Rival South Mumbai candidates, Sena UBT's Arvind Sawant and Sena's Yamini Jadhav cast their vote

Arvind Sawant and Yamini Jadhav. Pic/X

As voting for the fifth phase of the ongoing India general elections 2024 began on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies Shiv Sena candidate from South Mumbai, Yamini Jadhav cast her vote.

Yamini who is contesting as the Shiv Sena candidate is up against UBT Sena sitting MP Arvind Sawant. After casting her vote Jadhav showed an indelible ink mark on her finger and urged people to exercise their right to vote.

Speaking to ANI Yamini Jadhav said, "Exercise your right to vote...Don't consider me weak if am a woman. I am strong and dedicated to society...I have been working for people and I have been given a ticket (to contest) owing to my work...I will become your voice and roar in Parliament..."

"I would like to give a message to everyone that your vote should go to someone who works and does development. The Constitution has provided you the right to vote and exercise your franchise...," she told ANI.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and candidate from South Mumbai, Arvind Sawant who is contesting against Yamini Jadhav cast his vote and said, "I am amazed by the love people have given me. 100 per cent I will score a hat-trick (of victory)..." He faces a contest from Shiv Sena candidate Yamini Jadhav, reported ANI.

Apart from this, Industrialist Anil Ambani and actor Akshay Kumar were also among the first at their designated polling booths in Mumbai to cast their votes. Actor Farhan Akhtar and his sister Zoya Akhtar also arrived to cast their votes at Mount Mary Convent High School in Bandra.

Voting for the fifth phase of the ongoing India general elections 2024 began on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies spread over six states and two Union Territories (UTs) amid tight security and arrangements.

The voting started at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line by the closing time still allowed to vote. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), polling for 35 assembly constituencies of the Odisha legislative assembly will also take place simultaneously on Monday.

As per the ECI, over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will decide the fate of 695 candidates in the fifth phase of voting.

(With inputs from ANI)