west

The bustling metropolis of Mumbai witnessed mixed participation, with Mumbai North recording 14.71 per cent, Mumbai South lagging at 12.75 per cent, and Mumbai North West showing a promising 17.53 per cent.

"A lot of complaints from voters about the facilities outside the booths @ECISVEEP. At least having the voter lines in shade/fans could help. They don't want much, just basics to stay cool. Please look into it," Thackeray posted on X.

Polling stations in various parts of Mumbai experienced a steady turnout, with early voters such as Union Minister Piyush Goyal, industrialist Anil Ambani, and actor Akshay Kumar casting their ballots. Other prominent early voters included Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, actors Janhvi Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar, and Marathi theatre actor Prashant Damle.

Superstar Akshay Kumar was among the early voters who made his way to the polling booth. After casting his vote, he shared his thoughts on the importance of voting for the nation's future. "...I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right... I think voter turnout will be good," he commented optimistically.

All of Mumbai and in total 13 Maharashtra Lok Sabha Seats to Vote Today.

The Baramati Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a peculiar incident as the CCTV in an EVM strongroom allegedly went blank for approximately 45 minutes, sparking an outcry from the opposition. NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule, a contender for the Baramati seat against her sister-in-law, Sunetra A. Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, expressed concern over the incident, calling it foul play.

During the final phase of Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh, villages in Shajapur boycotted voting due to lack of development, citing absence of Narmada Project benefits and road connectivity. Villagers demand resolution of grievances before casting votes, highlighting issues of transportation and education access.

On Monday, leaders of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alleged substantial cash transfers purportedly aimed at purchasing votes in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocate Anna Hazare expressed disapproval, in contrast to the MahaYuti's denial of the allegations, claiming it's a tactic to divert attention from the potential defeat of the opposition.

Numerous individuals, ranging from seasoned voters to first-timers, found themselves turned away from the polling booths, encountering a perplexing scenario where their names, previously present in the registry, had vanished without explanation.

"Last time in Maharashtra, we secured 41 seats, but this time we will get more," declared Javadekar. "There is a Modi wave in the country because people are thinking about their future and are voting for PM Modi. We are confident that we will cross 400 seats."

The free breakfast service, available from 7 am to 9 am, features none other than Indore's beloved culinary treasures: poha and jalebi. Sharma recollected their previous endeavor during the elections, where they successfully fed around 5,000 to 6,000 people.

Polling parties, filled with enthusiasm, set out across Ratlam district's 1,297 polling stations. Joyful moments were captured as teams departed, some snapping selfies and dancing. The distribution of materials is managed smoothly by 750 officers. Mango panna treats and cooling arrangements eased the morning heat. Approximately 6,485 employees oversaw the elections, transported by 420 GPS-equipped vehicles.