Mumbai- Polling for the Maharashtra Assembly 2024 elections is underway across the state today, with a high voter turnout marked by the participation of prominent political figures, celebrities, and citizens from all walks of life.

Among the early voters were key political figures from both the ruling MahaYuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Union Ministers Narayan Rane, Ramdas Athawale, Nitin Gadkari, and Piyush Goyal, along with their families, cast their votes. Leaders from the MVA, including Nationalist Congress Party(SP) President Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena(UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, Congress state President Nana F. Patole, Jayant R. Patil, Prithviraj Chavan, Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia, Amit Deshmukh and Dhiraj Deshmukh, also participated in the democratic process.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray and his family, including son Amit Thackeray who is contesting from the Mahim seat, were also spotted at polling stations.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Anupam Kher, Rajkummar Rao, Kushal Badrike, Sonali Kulkarni, and others exercised their right to vote.

Kher commended the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for the smooth voting experience, highlighting the measures implemented for voter comfort.

Enthusiasm was high among first-time voters, young and old, across the state. Slum-dwellers turned out in droves to vote. Senior citizens also made their way to polling stations, either on foot, with assistance from family or police, or in wheelchairs. 95-year-old Pratap Cooperative Bank Ltd. Founder-Director M. L. Singh of Wadala was brought to his polling station in a wheelchair by his family, exemplifying the spirit of civic duty.

Polling began at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 6 p.m. Authorities have made extensive arrangements at polling stations, including drinking water facilities, toilets, first-aid kits, and marquees for shade, along with tight security measures to ensure a safe and orderly voting process.

(Source- IANS)