The Maharashtra assembly election date is set for November 20, a Wednesday. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained the reason behind this mid-week polling. Read more for details.

Maharashtra Assembly Election Date Set for Wednesday

The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the Maharashtra assembly election, set to take place on November 20, 2024. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar revealed that the election will be conducted in a single phase, with results expected on November 23. He emphasized the reason behind scheduling the election on a Wednesday, which he explained was a strategic move to address urban voter apathy.

Why Wednesday Was Chosen for Maharashtra Election

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained that the decision to hold the election on a Wednesday was intentional. “You will notice that the date of the poll is Wednesday. This is deliberate and we have tried that it is mid-week so that the issue of urban apathy is handled,” said Kumar. This mid-week polling aims to ensure that urban voters, often less likely to vote due to busy weekends, are encouraged to participate in the election process

Complete Schedule for Maharashtra Election

The election panel has also announced the full schedule for the Maharashtra assembly election:

• Date of Notification: October 22
• Last Date of Nomination: October 29
• Scrutiny of Nominations: October 30
• Last Date of Withdrawal: November 4
• Polling Date: November 20
• Counting of Votes: November 23

Focus on Urban Voter Turnout

The Election Commission’s decision to hold the election mid-week is part of an effort to tackle urban voter disengagement. Historically, urban areas have seen lower voter turnout, and the Commission hopes this measure will lead to increased participation from city dwellers.