Voters Showed some Enthusiasm after Extensive Special Awareness Drives in some Localities
By F ANSARI, NEWS BUREAU MUMBAI
MUMBAI: In Mumbai, voting in the fifth phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections was largely peaceful across the six parliamentary constituencies, despite the scorching heat and some logistical issues. Mumbai’s six constituencies – North, North West, North East, North Central, South, and South Central – reported a turnout of around 54 percent. However, all seven seats outside Mumbai, such as Bhiwandi, Nashik, Dindori, Thane, Palghar, Dhule, and Kalyan Dombivli, recorded a slightly higher turnout. Mumbai is known for low polling percentages in the country, but this time it recorded a turnout of 54.1%, according to the final data from the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is the second-highest Lok Sabha turnout in the city in the last three decades, but slightly lower than the 2019 polling percentage.
In the fifth phase of the General Elections, voter turnout was approximately 60.09% as of 11:30 PM, while Maharashtra recorded about 54.29%. This turnout was the lowest among all states voting on May 20, even below the 55.38% recorded in 2019. 13 constituencies in the Mumbai region and north Maharashtra went to the polls in this phase.
According to reports, voters at many Mumbai polling booths reported inadequate arrangements, including delays leading to long queues and a lack of shade or fans in the scorching heat. Many also found their names missing from the voter list, despite having voted in previous elections.
Opposition parties accused the BJP and the Election Commission of mismanaging the election. Congress leader Muzaffar Hussain alleged that the ECI “deliberately” deleted voters in Thane seat.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the ECI on X for failing to provide basic amenities like shade and fans in the very scorching heats.
To the @ECISVEEP , absolute pathetic management.
An agency that boasts about One Nation, One Poll, cannot conduct an election process that is smooth in even 1 constituency, forget the entire city.Citizens have complained about heat, suffocation in booths, possibly purposeful…
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 20, 2024
Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also took to X, urging voters to stay until they cast their votes despite delays, and noted the lack of drinking water at polling stations. Even, many voters were frustrated by the ban on mobile phones within 100 meters of polling booths, with no arrangements made for their safekeeping, leading some to return home without voting.
However, in some localities especially at some Muslim dominated areas, voters, including women and young first-time voters, arrived at the polling booths early in the morning during sunrise and braved the sun’s glare and long queues, highlighting the significance of their participation in shaping the nation’s future. Notably, at one polling station, Mehboob Shaikh chose to cast his vote before burying his deceased elder brother, symbolizing a profound commitment to the country. Shaikh remarked, “My vote is to save the country from being crippled,” encapsulating the spirit of civic duty amidst personal adversity.
Despite the overall peaceful conduct, several incidents of disruption and violence occurred.
In Bhiwandi near Mumbai, two workers affiliated with independent candidate Nilesh Sambre were reportedly attacked. Both workers were injured, and their vehicle was vandalized, underscoring the tensions in some electoral battlegrounds. An incident at the Ansari Playground polling booth involving Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Kapil Patil added to the sporadic disturbances. Tensions flared between workers of the BJP and the India Alliance, requiring intervention from electoral authorities to restore order. NCP candidate Suresh Mahatre also arrived at the scene, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding the electoral process.
Concerns over electoral malpractices emerged, with reports of bogus voting surfacing in some areas. At the Momin Girls College Center in the West Mumbai constituency, allegations were raised about a group of individuals casting fraudulent votes. Mohd Ameen, one of the aggrieved voters, lamented the disenfranchisement caused by the purported irregularities, reflecting broader apprehensions about the integrity of the electoral process.
In south Mumbai, a senior social activist noted the unprecedented congestion at polling stations, attributing it to heightened awareness catalyzed by community leaders. Similarly, Rehan Ansari, another activist, expressed astonishment at the sheer turnout, emphasizing the collective resolve to participate in the democratic process.
From Bhiwandi, Dr. Shafiq Siddiqui, president of Operation Mukt Bhiwandi, lauded the efforts of community leaders in fostering a culture of civic engagement, underscoring the pivotal role of grassroots initiatives in promoting electoral awareness.
Polling in Mumbai and adjoining suburban areas reflected mixed reactions. In some areas, people came to exercise their franchise despite all odds and challenges, while in other localities, a callous attitude was displayed on this important day of democracy.