The second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Maharashtra witnessed a notable turnout, with over 53 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots.
The constituencies where voting took place include Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Wardha, and Yavatmal-Washim in Vidarbha, as well as Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani in the central Marathwada region.
By 5 pm, Wardha recorded the highest turnout at 56.66 per cent, followed closely by Amravati at 54.50 per cent and Yavatmal-Washim at 54.04 per cent. Parbhani, Akola, Nanded, Buldhana, and Hingoli also saw significant voter participation.
Election officials reported that the voting process proceeded smoothly without any major incidents, reflecting the effective management of polling stations and security arrangements.
Despite the overall peaceful conduct, a minor incident occurred in Nanded, where a 26-year-old man allegedly damaged an electronic voting machine (EVM) out of frustration for wanting a government supportive of farmers and labourers.
A total of 204 candidates contested across the eight constituencies, with varying numbers in each. Notable candidates include former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who recently joined the BJP, and Dr. B R Ambedkar's grandson, Prakash Ambedkar.
Several constituencies witnessed interesting political battles, such as the direct contest between factions of the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray's group. Other constituencies featured candidates from different political alliances, adding to the electoral dynamics.
With Maharashtra scheduled to vote in three more phases between May 7 and May 20, the momentum of the elections is set to continue, shaping the political landscape of the state for the upcoming term in the Lok Sabha.
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