Mumbai General Elections Witness 52% Turnout Amid Weather Challenges and Long Queues

In the general elections held in Mumbai, the voter turnout stood at 52.27 percent, a decrease from the previous election cycle, with voters facing challenging weather conditions and long queues at polling stations.

Mumbai South, known for housing industrialists and government officials, reported the lowest voter turnout at 47.7 percent, while the overall turnout across the city in various constituencies ranged from 47.7 to 55.21 percent.

Several reports emerged of voters waiting for extended periods in queues, some even having to leave without casting their vote, leading to frustration among the electorate. Uddhav Thackeray, the Sena (UBT) chief, criticized the alleged intentional delays in the polling process.

Complaints about slow voting procedures were echoed by Priyanka Chaturvedi, a member of the Sena (UBT) from the Rajya Sabha, who highlighted the challenges faced by voters including long queues and limited facilities at polling booths, especially in the scorching heat.

High humidity and temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius added to the discomfort of voters as they stood in queues to exercise their democratic right. Despite the adversities, prominent figures like Anil Ambani, Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, and various Bollywood stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan came out to vote in Maharashtra‘s capital.

In the political arena, key contests included Piyush Goyal against Bhushan Patil in Mumbai North, Sanjay Dina Patil against Mihir Kotecha in Mumbai North East, and Ujjwal Nikam against Varsha Gaikwad in Mumbai North Central among other significant matchups.

Furthermore, Amol Kirtikar, Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant, and other political figures from different parties contested in various constituencies, showcasing the diverse political landscape in Mumbai’s electoral battleground.