Lok Sabha elections 2024: Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan casts vote in Nanded

Ashok Chavan (Pic: File Pic)

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan casted his vote at a polling booth in Nanded. Later, he urged the general public to exercise their franchise in large numbers.

During the Lok Sabha elections 2024 second phase, polling is being held in the state's eight Lok Sabha constituencies including Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, Buldhana and Parbhani.

"My appeal to the people is to go and vote in large numbers. Contribute to the democratic process and vote because your vote is important in bringing a strong government," Chavan stated, urging widespread engagement in the electoral process.

Also Read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Vote to protect democracy, says Rahul Gandhi to voters

Following his scission from the Congress party, Ashok Chavan ahead of the Lok Sabha elections did not say anything.

"I don't want to say anything. Whatever it is, the public will say," he said.

Chavan highlighted the recent progress in addressing the demands of the Maratha community, noting the implementation of a 10% reservation for the group.

"All the misunderstandings have been sorted, there is no doubt among the people. Marathas have got a 10% reservation," he asserted.

Earlier, in February, after quitting the Congress party, the former Maharashtra CM joined the BJP, after "observing the mood of the nation."

"In politics, you need to understand the mood of the nation. Considering the mood of the people, I decided to join the BJP. I won't comment on Congress, whatever happens in Congress it will be their karma. I respect Sonia Gandhi. I have just left the party, and I am not so big to comment on her," Chavan said.The second phase of voting in Maharashtra began on Friday.

The second phase poll elections across the country has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies, notably, 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir.

Initially, 89 constituencies were scheduled to go to polls today, but following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party's candidate, the EC later announced that voting won't take place in Betul.

The Lok Sabha elections 2024 first phase was held on April 19 across 21 states and UTs. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 third phase will be held on May 7.

(With ANI Inputs)