2-28-crore-voters-298-candidates-11-constituencies-high-stakes-contests-emerge-as-maharashtra-s-fourth-phase-polling-begins

Polling commenced Monday morning for 11 of Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha seats in the fourth phase of general elections, marking a significant juncture in the state's electoral landscape. The polling, which started at 7 am and is slated to conclude at 6 pm, encompasses constituencies including Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, and Beed.

Prominent figures in the electoral fray include Union Minister Raosaheb Danve, BJP stalwart Pankaja Munde, and actor-turned-politician Amol Kolhe. A total of 298 candidates are vying for victory, with Beed constituting the highest number of contenders at 41, while Nandurbar registers the lowest at 11.

The electorate comprises 2.28 crore eligible voters, including 1.18 crore males, 1.09 crore females, and 1272 third-gender individuals. Across the 11 constituencies, there are 23,284 polling centers, of which 83 are deemed critical. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in Marathwada, notably hosts the highest number of critical polling centers at 20.

The voting process employs 53,959 ballot units, 23,284 control units, and 23,284 VVPAT machines. Key battles include the BJP's nomination of Union Minister Danve in Jalna and Sujay Vikhe Patil in Ahmednagar, along with Pankaja Munde's candidacy in Beed. Actor Amol Kolhe represents the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) in Shirur Lok Sabha seat.

Noteworthy contests include BJP versus Congress in Jalna, and a Shiv Sena intra-party battle in Aurangabad. In Beed, Pankaja Munde faces off against Bajrang Sonawane of the NCP (SP). Additionally, Shirur sees Kolhe pitted against Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil of the NCP.

In Nandurbar, sitting BJP MP Heena Gavit and Congress' Gowaal Padvi contend directly, while in Ahmednagar, BJP's Sujay Vikhe Patil faces off against Nilesh Lanke of the NCP (SP).

Other significant contests include those in Jalgaon, Raver, Maval, Pune, and Shirdi constituencies, each reflecting the intricate political dynamics of the state.

With 24 seats already voted upon in the preceding phases, Maharashtra remains a focal point of electoral activity, boasting the second-highest number of Lok Sabha seats after Uttar Pradesh. The fifth and final phase, covering 13 seats, is scheduled for May 20.