Mumbai: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara, cast their votes in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections on Wednesday. The family arrived at their designated polling station in Mumbai, demonstrating civic responsibility and urging citizens to fulfill their democratic duty.
After casting their votes, the Tendulkar family proudly displayed their inked fingers, a gesture that resonated with millions of fans across the state.
“Voting is Our Responsibility,” Says Tendulkar
Speaking to the media, the legendary cricketer emphasized the importance of voting, stating:
“I have been a symbol of the Election Commission of India for quite some time. My message is simple—vote. It is our responsibility as citizens of this country. I urge everyone to participate in the democratic process.”
As a longstanding advocate for civic awareness, Tendulkar’s appeal aims to inspire a greater voter turnout in Maharashtra, which has over 9.7 crore registered voters.
A High-Stakes Election Across 288 Constituencies
Polling in Maharashtra began at 7 a.m. and will conclude at 6 p.m., covering 288 constituencies in a single phase. This high-stakes election has drawn 4,136 candidates into the fray, including 2,086 independents. Major parties contesting include:
- BJP: 149 seats
- Congress: 101 seats
- NCP (Sharad Pawar faction): 86 seats
- Shiv Sena (UBT): 95 seats
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 59 seats
The BSP is contesting a significant 237 seats, while numerous smaller parties and independents are also vying for positions in a state with a complex political landscape.
Intense Campaigns and Key Contenders
The election comes after a vigorous campaign marked by ideological clashes, caste dynamics, and emotional appeals. The main contest pits the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance against the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA):
- Mahayuti Alliance: Comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
- MVA: Comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
The alliances reflect shifting loyalties and the evolving political strategies that have characterized Maharashtra’s assembly elections.
A Call for Record Voter Turnout
Tendulkar’s presence at the polling station serves as a reminder of the power of individual votes in shaping the state’s future. His message underscores the need for greater participation, particularly among young voters, to ensure a robust democracy.
With polling underway and results set to determine the political trajectory of Maharashtra, all eyes remain on voter turnout and the eventual outcome of this closely contested election.
