Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has urged the citizens of Maharashtra to exercise their democratic right and cast their votes in large numbers for the ongoing state assembly elections. Gandhi’s appeal comes ahead of the crucial electoral process, as the state witnesses a highly competitive contest.
On Wednesday, Gandhi took to the social media platform X, where he urged voters to support the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, promising that every vote for the coalition would bring prosperity and security to their lives. In his post, he said, “Brothers and sisters of Maharashtra, I appeal to all of you to cast your vote today to protect the self-respect and constitution of the state. Every vote you give to Maha Vikas Aghadi will stop the theft of your jobs and projects, will ensure fair prices to farmers for their crops, and will bring prosperity to your life with five guarantees. #VoteForINDIA.”
The former Congress president also emphasised that voting would safeguard the state’s dignity, with the MVA’s guarantees focusing on key issues such as employment, agriculture, and economic growth. He expressed confidence that the coalition’s promises would transform the lives of the people in Maharashtra, making a strong case for why voters should choose the MVA in the assembly elections.
Alongside Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared a message urging the voters of Jharkhand to come out in large numbers to cast their votes. In her appeal, she highlighted the importance of voting for the protection of democracy, water, land, and forest, as well as for social justice. “Dear brothers and sisters of Jharkhand! Vote in maximum numbers for yourself, for the strong future of your children, for the protection of water, forest, and land, for democracy, constitution and social justice, and for the better future of Jharkhand. Use your power given by the Constitution to elect a government that works only for you and takes you forward,” Vadra wrote on X.
She also extended her appeal to the voters of Maharashtra, calling on them to cast their votes to address critical issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the ongoing economic crisis. “Brothers and sisters of Maharashtra! Vote against inflation, unemployment, economic crisis, and the everyday problems you are facing. Our constitution has given you the power to choose a government with your vote that works only for you. For the protection of this democracy and constitution; for the strengthening of social justice; for the welfare of Dalits, backward, tribals, farmers, women, middle class, businessmen, and the general public; vote in large numbers against the politics of money power and form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government with a huge majority,” she added in her message.
As the voting process began on Wednesday morning, early turnout figures indicated a strong interest in the elections. By 9 am, Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 6.61%, with higher turnout rates in some areas. The Naxal-affected district of Gadchiroli led the way with 12.33%, while Osmanabad saw the lowest turnout at 4.85%.
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the second phase of the assembly elections was underway, with voting covering 38 constituencies. By 9 am, the state recorded a voter turnout of 12.71%. Pakur district registered the highest turnout at 16.12%, while Bokaro had the lowest turnout of 12.48%.
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The voting process in both states is expected to intensify as the day progresses, with the Election Commission of India monitoring the process closely. Maharashtra’s assembly election is being held in a single phase, covering all 288 seats, while Jharkhand’s election is taking place in phases, with the second phase focusing on the remaining 38 constituencies.
As the day unfolds, political parties are keenly observing the turnout, with each side hoping to garner the support of the electorate to secure a decisive mandate. For Rahul Gandhi and his allies, the focus remains on encouraging voters to prioritise their rights and ensure a future that is not overshadowed by economic struggles or inequality.
With both Maharashtra and Jharkhand witnessing significant electoral activity, it remains to be seen how the voters’ participation will translate into results. The emphasis on voter engagement and the role of political messaging will continue to shape the course of the elections as citizens across these states make their choices.
