06 May,2024 04:00 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde/ File Photo
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed concern over the low voter turnout in the state during the Lok Sabha elections and urged Mahayuti workers to improve engagement in the remaining phases.
Shinde, speaking at an election rally in Thane in favour of Shiv Sena candidate Naresh Mhaske, emphasised the need to increase voter turnout despite the adverse weather circumstances, reported PTI.
"The elections are being held in severe heat, and it is reflected in the voting percentage in the state. While there is no doubt that we will win by a huge margin, there is a need to increase the voting percentage," the chief minister said.
According to the report, ecognising the confidence in winning by a large margin, Shinde emphasised the need of mobilising voters, particularly in the early hours of voting, and urged booth-level workers and block in-charges to maximise participation.
Reflecting on the Mahayuti alliance's extensive support as a result of the government's efforts, Shinde praised the commitment of all alliance elements, including the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the report added.
"I am happy that all constituents of the Mahayuti and the parties that support the alliance are working seriously," he said.
Shinde also praised Maha Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray for his contributions to the alliance's triumph, emphasising the joint efforts of all parties involved, the PTI report further stated.
On Tuesday, voting for 11 of Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha seats will take place, with the focus on the high-stakes struggle in Baramati, where Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule is up against Sunetra Pawar, wife of the venerable leader's estranged nephew and Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The 23,036 polling stations set up for the third round of the general elections will open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 pm, an official told PTI.
According to the report, the following seats will be polled on May 7: Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangale.
The official stated that 2.09 crore people are entitled to vote for 258 candidates in the third phase, for which 23,036 polling stations have been set up. According to him, there are 1,07,64,741 male voters, 1,02,26,946 female voters, and 929 of the third gender in the third phase.
