As many as 33 candidates are contesting the high-stakes Maharashtra Assembly elections from the Nanded North seat, as per Election Commission figures. This is the highest number of candidates contesting on a seat in the November 20 elections for the 288-member Assembly.


Shahada seat in Nandurbar district has the lowest three contestants, as per the poll pannel.


There are 4,140 candidates in the fray for the total 288 Maharashtra assembly seats, the poll panel said, adding that the state has more than 9.7 crore voters, of whom 22,22,704 are in the age group of 18-19 years.


Maharashtra Has 9,70,25,119 Voters


As per the electoral rolls updated on October 30, the state has 9,70,25,119 voters, including 5,00,22,739 men and 4,49,96,279 women. Maharashtra has 6,101 transgender voters, 6.41 lakh divyang (persons with disabilities) and 1.16 lakh service electors, said Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S Chockalingam.


The Election Commission will set up 1,181 polling stations in high-rises and residential complexes in Mumbai, Thane and Pune to boost the voter turnout, he said. As many as 210 polling stations will be set up in slums. For 1,00,186 polling stations, there are 2,21,600 ballot units, 1,21,886 control units and 1,32,094 VVPATs, the CEO said. There are 142 general observers, 41 police observers and 71 expenditure supervisors.


The counting of votes will take place on November 23. 


Mahayuti Announces 10 'Guarantees' Including Ladki Bahin Scheme


The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, revealed its highly-anticipated manifesto during a public meeting in Kolhapur North. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, jointly launched the document, emphasising their commitment to advancing the state towards “unprecedented prosperity and development.” 


The manifesto includes a ten-point agenda, with a focus on economic relief, employment generation, social security, and women’s safety.


A notable provision under the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' proposes raising monthly allowances for women from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. Additionally, 25,000 new police recruits will be hired to bolster women’s safety across the state. Farmers are set to benefit from a loan waiver and increased annual assistance under the 'Shetkari Sanman Yojna.