The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024. According to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the elections will be held in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23, and the results will be announced on November 26.
The nomination process for candidates will begin on October 22, with the last date for submission being October 29. The scrutiny of nomination forms will take place on October 30, and candidates can withdraw their candidatures until November 11.
The key contenders in the upcoming elections are the ruling Mahayuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, the MVA secured 30 seats, while the BJP’s share fell to 9 seats.
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election, the BJP won 105 seats, while the Congress won 44 seats. The alliances are currently in talks to finalize their seat-sharing formulas for the upcoming elections.
The Election Commission has also emphasized the importance of providing Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations, including drinking water, waiting sheds, toilets, lighting, ramps for PwD electors, and proper signage. Efforts are being made to ensure that every polling station is accessible and equipped with necessary facilities.
Overall, the stage is set for an intense electoral battle in Maharashtra, as political parties gear up for the upcoming Assembly elections in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the election dates draw closer.
