Maharashtra witnessed lower voter turnout compared to the 2014 assembly elections. The last voter turnout stood at 60.46% ,3% down than the figures of 63.13% of 2014.
Karvir assembly constituency in Kolhapur registered the highest voter turnout at 83.20%, while Colaba in South Mumbai registered the lowest voter turnout at 40.20%. Continuing with its disrepute of lower voter turnout Mumbai saw a poor turnout of 46.93%.
Kolhapur, which saw massive floods a few months ago, came out to vote in massive numbers. Four out of top 5 constituencies with highest voter turnout were in flood-affected Kolhapur region. Apart from Karvir, Shahuwadi seat registered 80.19% turnout, Kagal (80.13% ) and Radhanagari (75.59%), while Shirala constituency in neighbouring Sangli district saw 76.78% voter turnout.
Low voter turnout was witnessed in urban areas. Apart from Colaba in Mumbai, Versova seat in Suburban Mumbai also saw an abysmal voting percentage of 42.66%. Low voter turnout was also seen in constituencies on the outskirts of Mumbai, like Kalyan west (41.93%), Ambernath (42.43%) and Ulhasnagar (41.20%). Pune Cantonment seat also saw a dismal turnout at 42.68%.
Though Bollywood personalities came out to vote in large numbers, the voting percentage in the Bandra West constituency, home to most Bollywood celebrities saw a downfall in polling percentage compared to 2014. In 2014, the star-studded constituency saw a voter turnout of 50.65% ,while this election it was at 43.76%.
Top leaders from the state exercised their franchise with their family in tow. CM Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by his wife Amruta, cast his vote in Nagpur. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar voted in Tardeo area of Mumbai along with his granddaughter Revati Sule. Actor Riteish Deshmukh and wife Genelia voted in Latur. Riteish’s brother Amit and Dheeraj are contesting from Latur City and Latur Rural respectively. Riteish has extensively campaigned for them.