The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections is set for Monday, with 13 constituencies in Maharashtra gearing up for voting. To ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process and to encourage maximum voter turnout, several measures are being implemented. As part of these measures, certain establishments including voting banks, stock markets and liquor shops will remain closed on the day of voting.

The elections will see competition between two alliances: the ruling Mahayuti, which includes the BJP, NCP (led by Ajit Pawar), and a faction of Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and the MVA or Maha Aghadi, comprising Sena (led by Uddhav Thackeray), NCP (led by Sharad Pawar), and Congress.

The Lok Sabha elections are set to unfold across seven phases, culminating on June 1st, with vote counting slated for June 4th.

Which constituencies are voting on May 20 in Maharashtra?

1. Mumbai North

2. Mumbai North-West

3. Mumbai North-East

4. Mumbai North-Central

5. Mumbai South-Central

6. Mumbai South

7. Thane

8. Kalyan

9. Palghar

10. Dhule

11. Dindori

12. Nashik

13. Bhiwandi

Dry day in Maharashtra for elections

In crucial constituencies such as Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan, and Thane, the closure of liquor shops has been mandated in anticipation of the scheduled polls. Residents in Mumbai can expect bars and wine shops to remain closed until 5 PM on May 20, aligning with election day. Additionally, another dry day is slated for June 4 in Mumbai, continuing until the announcement of the election results.

Closure of stock exchanges

Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be closed on May 20, as all six Mumbai seats are scheduled for voting during this phase of the election.

Closure of schools and colleges

Schools and colleges will remain shut on election day as they are designated polling stations. This closure aims to ensure security and minimise disruptions during the potentially tense polling period.

Maharashtra’s electoral significance

Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is a critical battleground in Indian general elections, second only to Uttar Pradesh in the number of seats. This prominence means that political parties heavily focus on the state, as winning a substantial number of seats here can be pivotal for forming a government at the centre.

The election process in India is extensive, spanning multiple phases to ensure comprehensive and fair participation across the country. As of now, voting for the first four phases has concluded. The election is being conducted in a seven-phase process, a method employed to manage the massive logistics and security requirements of conducting an election in the world’s largest democracy. The final phase of voting will take place on June 1, with all votes set to be counted and results declared on June 4.