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Maharashtra takes center stage in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024 as 13 constituencies, including six crucial seats in Mumbai, prepare for polling on Monday, marking the fifth phase of the electoral process.
This phase signifies the culmination of voting in Maharashtra, which has witnessed a phased schedule: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. The much-anticipated vote counting is set for June 4.
In conjunction with the polling process, several essential services will be temporarily suspended in the parliamentary constituencies participating in the election. Schools, colleges, and banks will remain closed to facilitate smooth conduct of the electoral process.
To ensure a fair and peaceful voting environment, liquor shops will be closed in key constituencies like Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan, and Thane in Maharashtra. This measure is in accordance with the Election Commission of India's directive that mandates dry days in areas where elections are held and in neighboring regions.
In Mumbai, bars and wine shops will resume operations at 5 PM on May 20, coinciding with the end of election day. Additionally, another dry day will be observed in Mumbai on June 4 during the vote-counting process until the results are formally announced.
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will also observe a holiday on May 20 due to the voting activities. This marks the second election-related holiday for the stock exchanges this month, as all six seats in Mumbai are being contested in this phase of the seven-phase election.
The list of constituencies participating in this phase of voting includes Baramati, Raigad, Dharashiv, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangle.
With its 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra plays a pivotal role in shaping the composition of the lower house of Parliament, second only to Uttar Pradesh in terms of representation. The state is renowned for its diverse political landscape and exerts significant influence on the national political scene.
This information has been compiled with inputs from various agencies to provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming polling process in Mumbai and its implications for the electorate and the city's operations.
Source: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Polling in Mumbai today! Know what's closed, what's open