Maharashtra Voting Highlights: Bollywood Stars, From Kareena to Ranbir, Shine at the Polls

Maharashtra is witnessing a crucial day of polling today with the state's 288 assembly seats receiving their votes. Polling began from 7 AM Wednesday morning, with election officials ensuring that all the arrangements are done to make the electoral process as smooth as possible. Security in the polling stations has been enhanced to maintain peace for the voters.

Maharashtra Voting Highlights: Key Contests in Maharashtra Elections

Whereas the state was making all preparations for this very crucial electoral exercise, voter turnout seemed pathetic, though there were best efforts from the Election Commission and local campaigns to get people to turn up. Low voter turnout led to fears over voter apathy, even when high-profile leaders as well as celebrities followed voters to the polls to set an example.

Some of the key contests in the election

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is contesting from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency, where he faces a tight contest against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Kedar Prakash Dighe. The leadership of Shinde and the alliances he has made for himself are being tested as he bids to retain his position in the state government.

A highly-contested seat in Nagpur South West, between Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Congress candidate Prafulla Gudadhe, is crucial for the latter if he is to get any sort of victory.

In Baramati, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is keen to win his family bastion. His NCP (SP) opponent, Yungendra Pawar, gives him the toughest fight in this high-stakes constituency.

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Bollywood Steps Out to Vote

Adding star power to the elections, several Bollywood celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, and Shah Rukh Khan, flocked to polling stations, which also highlighted the importance of voting. Business magnate Mukesh Ambani also cast his vote, reminding everyone of their civic responsibility.

While results of these contests will define Maharashtra's political topography, the pathetic voter turnout assumes an essential conversation point. Elections, in all its myriad colours, should bring more people out in support of the democratic process.