Buldhana - The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra saw a significant voter turnout, with 53% of eligible voters casting their ballots across eight constituencies. According to Election Commission data, Wardha recorded the highest turnout at 56.66%, followed closely by Amravati at 55.12% and Yavatmal-Washim at 54.04%.Despite concerns, the polling concluded peacefully, with no major incidents reported.
However, in Nanded's Ramtirth village, a young individual vandalized electronic voting machines with an axe, leading to their subsequent detainment by the police.The constituencies that went to polls are spread across the Western Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. These areas play a crucial role in Maharashtra's political landscape, contributing significantly to the state's representation in the Lower House of Parliament.With over 1.49 crore eligible voters, including men, women, and individuals from the third-gender category, the election saw active participation from diverse segments of society.
Notable contests included Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of B. R. Ambedkar, leading the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) in Akola, and his brother Anandraj Ambedkar contesting from Amravati as a Republican Sena candidate.In Amravati, Navneet Kaur Rana's candidacy on a BJP ticket sparked controversy among local leaders, resulting in a three-cornered contest with the Congress and the Prahar Janshakti Party.
Meanwhile, in Buldhana and Yavatmal-Washim, incumbent MPs faced challenges from within their own party ranks, reflecting internal dynamics within the political parties.Overall, the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra witnessed active political competition, setting the stage for a diverse representation from the state in the Parliament.
