Maharashtra takes center stage as 13 constituencies, including the influential six seats in Mumbai, prepare for voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. This marks the final leg of the state’s electoral process, which has been spread over five phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The counting of votes will take place on June 4th. To ensure a conducive environment for voting, schools, colleges, and banks will be closed in the parliamentary constituencies involved in the electoral process on Monday. Additionally, liquor shops will be shut in key constituencies like Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan, and Thane, as per the directive of the Election Commission of India. This dry day policy extends to adjacent areas of constituencies holding elections. Mumbai’s bars and wine shops will resume operations at 5 PM on May 20, coinciding with the end of the election day. Furthermore, another dry day will be observed in Mumbai on June 4 during the vote-counting process, continuing until the results are declared. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will also be closed on May 20 due to the voting activities. This marks the second holiday in the month for these exchanges related to the elections, particularly significant as all six Mumbai seats are contested during this phase of the seven-phase election. The constituencies going to polls in this phase include Baramati, Raigad, Dharashiv, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangle. With its 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra holds the distinction of being the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. The state’s rich political diversity and substantial electoral influence make it a pivotal force in shaping the contours of national politics.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Maharashtra’s Key Contests in Fifth Phase
