Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 Live: NCP SP's Yugendra Pawar, Sachin Tendulkar Cast Ballot

NCP SP candidate from Baramati constituency Yugendra Pawar casts his vote. He is set to go up against uncle Ajit Pawar for the seat.

Actors Farhan Akhtar, Ali Fazal, Sonu Sood and director Kabir Khan have exercised their right to vote in the polls today.

"I have been an icon of the ECI (Election Commission of India) for quite some time now. The message I am giving is to vote. It is our responsibility. I urge everyone to come out and vote," urged former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar after casting his vote.

Zeeshan Siddiqui, contesting for the Vandre East constituency from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), casts his vote.

The National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange will remain closed on Wednesday on account of voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024.

NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule casts her vote at a polling station in Baramati.

Following his vote, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das praised the arrangements at the polling station.

• Increased Monthly Grant: BJP promises to raise the monthly grant under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme to Rs 2,100 per month.

• Current Grant: The scheme, launched in August, currently provides Rs 1,500 per month to economically disadvantaged women aged 21-65.

"The arrangements here are very good, especially for senior citizens, and cleanliness has been well-maintained. I urge everyone to come out and cast their votes," said actor Akshay Kumar.

"I hope people will give me a chance to work for the truth with full accountability and transparency," said Shaina NC after her daughter Shanaya Munot and her show their inked fingers.

BMC Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani casts his vote.

• Rs 3,000 Monthly Aid for Women: Under the Mahalaxmi Scheme, economically disadvantaged women will receive Rs 3,000 per month.

• Free Bus Travel for Women: All women in Maharashtra will get free travel on state-operated buses.

• Up to Rs 4,000 for Unemployed Youth: The MVA promises monthly assistance for unemployed youth.

BJP MLA from Ghatkopar East, Parag Shah, is the richest candidate in the Maharashtra Assembly 2024 polls. Shah, who is contesting from the Ghatkopar East seat, and his wife have declared combined assets worth Rs 3,382 crore.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is looking to secure a fourth term from the Nagpur South West Assembly seat. He will face Congress' Prafulla Gudadhe, who is known for his grassroots connections in the constituency.

"It is our right in democracy, so it's important that we step outside to vote. I have performed my duties," said actor Rajkummar Rao after voting at a polling booth in Gyan Kendra Secondary School, Mumbai.

"I urge all the voters of the state to participate enthusiastically in this process and add beauty to this festival of democracy," said PM Modi in an X post.

In Baramati, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will face his nephew Yugendra Pawar, who is the NCP (SP) candidate.

Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate from Baramati Assembly constituency Ajit Pawar has cast his vote in Baramati.

"My appeal to everyone is to come and vote. It is their choice to vote for whoever they want, but they should do it. This is a basic duty of every citizen," said Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan after casting vote in Mumbai.

Mumbai BJP president and Bandra West Assembly candidate, Ashish Shelar, cast his vote at a polling station in St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra.

In the last five years, the state has had three different chief ministers. These include BJP's Devendra Fadavis, Shiv Sena's (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray, and the Shiv Sena's (SHS) Eknath Shinde.

Voting will begin at 07:00 a.m. and continue until 06:00 p.m. Voting will be held across over one lakh polling stations in 52,789 locations. 

Maharashtra is set for a crucial day today as all 288 Assembly constituencies go to the polls in a single phase. The state is witnessing a fierce electoral contest between two major alliances:

• Mahayuti: Led by the ruling Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), along with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party.

• Maha Vikas Aghadi: Comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (Shiv Sena-UBT), Sharad Pawar's NCP, and the Indian National Congress.

Stay tuned for live updates and key developments throughout the day.