The Wire Staff 
Mumbai: In the fifth and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the state recorded the lowest turnout among all states which voted on Monday, May 20.
According to provisional data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Maharashtra had recorded 49.01% average polling as of 6 pm. The turnout was lower than the 55.38% recorded in 2019.
Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty
In the fifth phase, 13 constituencies spread across the Mumbai region and north Maharashtra went to polls. Of them, the data shows highest turnout was at Dindori in Nashik district at 57.06%, while the lowest was in Kalyan in Thane district at 41.70%. In 2019, Kalyan constituency has been one of the top five low voter turnout constituency, at 45.31%.
Last month, the ECI had called for a special conference to address the constituency’s issue, among others. Yet, this time, the turnout dipped even further. Among the other seats, the ECI data shows that Palghar recorded 54.32% polling, Nashik 51.16%, Bhiwandi 48.89%, Dhule 48.81%, Mumbai North 46.91%, Mumbai North Central 47.32%, Mumbai North East 48.67%, Mumbai North West 49.79%, Mumbai South 44.22%, Mumbai South Central 48.26% and Thane 45.38%.
At most polling booths in Mumbai, voters complained of inadequate arrangements. There was delay at many polling stations, which led to long queues.
The scorching heat made the voting process even more challenging. Many who turned up at the voting booth, complained that their names were missing from the list, despite the fact that they had voted in past general and assembly elections.
The opposition accused both the BJP and the election commission for handling the election haphazardly, more so in pockets where the voters have traditionally voted for them. Congress leader Muzaffar Hussain accused the ECI of “deliberately” deleting voters from regions of Thane and Mira- Bhayendar area.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the ECI killed the enthusiasm among voters. Aaditya took to X (formerly Twitter) saying, “A lot of complaints from voters about the facilities outside the booths @ECISVEEP. At least having the voter lines in shade/ fans could help. They don’t want much, just basics to stay cool. Please look into it.”
Former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray wrote on X, “There is a lot of enthusiasm among voters, but polling officials are delaying the voting process in many centres at the government’s behest. I request the voters to stay at polling centres until they cast their votes, even if it takes until morning.”
“There is no drinking water facility at the station for voters,” the former chief minister also said.
Many voters had turned up at the polling booth with their mobile phones, only to find out on reaching there that phones are not permitted within 100 metres of a booth. No arrangements were made to deposit these phones. Many, frustrated by the lack of facilities at the booth, simply returned home.