Thane, Jan 15 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared on Thursday that citizens throughout the state are poised to vote for development.

In a statement to the press, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized, “Citizens across Maharashtra are ready to vote for development. They desire progress and growth, not disputes, delays, or retaliation. Our campaign is centered around the goal of holistic development.”

He noted the significant enthusiasm among the populace, with many individuals actively engaging in the democratic process.

“We are observing a remarkable turnout here. It is essential for everyone to take part in the advancement of their city and strive for a brighter future for their families. Voting is a responsibility of every citizen. I encourage all voters to step forward and utilize their voting rights,” Shinde added.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family arrived to cast their votes in the local body elections.

In his remarks, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated, “Our democracy is a key element that forms the foundation of our democracy. Thus, participating in it is crucial. I urge everyone who values India’s democracy to go out and vote.”

“I firmly believe that voting is not merely a right but a duty. For effective governance in a democracy, we must participate in the voting process. That is why I have cast my vote. I appeal to all to vote in high numbers and not remain at home. Let’s embrace the spirit of democracy,” he urged.

Amruta Fadnavis, the Chief Minister’s spouse, also called upon citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

“It is vital to engage in our right to vote. I believe that everyone should come forward and cast their votes,” she remarked.

She added that voters should reflect carefully on their choices.

“Voters must deliberate before making their selections and ascertain which party is genuinely committed to development and delivering advantages to citizens directly,” she conveyed to IANS.

Meanwhile, polling for the 29 municipal corporations commenced at 7:30 a.m. and will conclude at 5:30 p.m.

While elections were initially set for 2,869 seats, including 227 in the BMC, voting is now occurring for 2,801 seats due to 68 candidates being elected unopposed. Voting will not take place for these uncontested positions.

A total of 3.48 crore voters are set to determine the future of 15,931 candidates, with 1,729 candidates in Mumbai alone. Vote counting will happen on January 16.

According to the State Election Commission, arrangements have been established across 39,147 polling stations, equipped with 43,958 Control Units and 87,916 Ballot Units. In Mumbai, there are 10,111 polling stations with 11,349 Control Units and 22,698 Ballot Units.

Elections are being conducted in municipal corporations across major cities, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, Akola, Latur, Jalgaon, Dhule, Jalna, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Ichalkaranji, Ahilyanagar, and Ulhasnagar.

These elections are occurring after a hiatus of more than six years, with the tenures of the municipal corporations concluding between 2020 and 2023. Except for Mumbai, elections for the remaining 28 corporations are being conducted under the multi-member ward system, whereas Mumbai follows a single-member ward approach.