Mumbai: In the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voters in Mumbai turned out to cast their ballots, with 54.33% participation recorded on Monday, May 20. The voting took place across 13 seats in Maharashtra, including Bhiwandi and Thane. However, the election day was not without controversy.
Sukhwinder Kaur, popularly known as Radhe Maa in Boriwari, received VIP treatment from election staff at a polling booth, leading to a dispute between voters and the election officials. Radhe Maa arrived in a car accompanied by her followers, photographers, and media personnel. Carrying a small trident in one hand and her purse in the other, she proceeded directly to cast her vote, causing a stir among other voters.
After casting her vote, Radhe Maa expressed her preference for progress and a leader who would propel the country forward. She emphasized that despite the controversies surrounding the election, she chose to vote for the candidate she believed would lead the nation to greater heights.
Mumbai residents faced challenges during the voting process, including delays, slow turnout, and long queues, exacerbated by humid weather conditions. Both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress expressed concern over these issues. Some voters who arrived early in the morning had to wait in line for an extended period and ultimately left without casting their votes.
For instance, a resident of Goregaon under the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha constituency reported waiting for 45 minutes to cast their vote. Similarly, a senior voter from Bimbisar Nagar in Goregaon East stated that it took one and a half hours to vote in the afternoon. This year’s voting process was notably lengthier compared to the 2019 elections.
Key constituencies to watch in Mumbai included Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, Thane, and Kalyan. Union Minister Piyush Goyal contested from Mumbai North, expressing confidence that Mumbaikars were voting for a better future for the country. Other notable candidates included UBT Sena leader Arvind Sawant in Mumbai South, Congress’s Varsha Gaikwad in Mumbai North Central, and Shiv Sena’s Rajan Baburao Vichare in Thane.
The Lok Sabha elections for Phase 5 were held on May 20, with voting beginning at 7 am and counting scheduled for June 4. With the conclusion of the fifth phase, polling has been completed in 428 Lok Sabha seats across 25 states and union territories, including Maharashtra. The election process continues to shape India’s democratic landscape, reflecting the diverse voices and choices of its citizens.
