The much-anticipated Maharashtra Assembly Elections for 2024 kicked off on Wednesday, with all 288 constituencies heading to the polls. With a total of 4,140 candidates in the running, the real competition lies between the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Mahayuti alliances. The MVA, composed of Shiv Sena (under Uddhav Thackeray), NCP (led by Sharad Pawar), and Congress, is going head to head with Mahayuti, which includes Shiv Sena (under Eknath Shinde), NCP (under Ajit Pawar), and BJP. Mark your calendars for key dates of the election: Gazette Notification on October 22, Last Date for Nominations on October 29, Nomination Scrutiny on October 30, Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations on November 4, and Voting Day on November 20.
The stage is set for a fierce political showdown in Maharashtra as all 288 assembly constituencies prepare to cast their votes on November 20, 2024. The two main alliances, BJP-led Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, have been campaigning aggressively, each promoting their agendas and attacking the other. With exit polls scheduled to be released after voting concludes and results expected on November 23, 2024, all eyes will be on the electoral outcome in one of India's most crucial states.
Investors and market enthusiasts in India will have to take note of the stock market holiday list for 2024, as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will be observing a holiday today in observance of the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024. This public holiday applies to all divisions of the NSE and BSE, including the equity, derivative, and SLB segments. To stay informed and avoid any confusion, individuals can refer to the BSE website for the full list of stock market holidays in 2024. This sudden holiday was added to the schedule due to the announcement of the Maharashtra Election on November 20, 2024. The Indian stock market will resume trading on December 25, 2024, after the Christmas holiday.
Indian stock markets will shut down on November 20, 2024, due to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections. This announcement by the Election Commission of India has led to a one-day market closure, with trading and settlements not taking place on the National Stock Exchange and the BSE. The next market holiday will be on December 25 for Christmas, followed by the final market holiday for the year. However, the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will also be closed for the day, with contracts expiring on November 20 settling a day earlier. As for the market recap on November 18, 2024, both benchmark indices ended in the red due to weak global cues and cautious investor sentiment ahead of the state elections.
Today marks a critical day for Maharashtra as the state holds assembly elections for 288 seats. With the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance determined to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance hoping for a strong comeback, the competition is intense. Over 4,000 candidates, including rebels from both alliances, are in the fray. Stay tuned for live updates as the voting process unfolds.
As Maharashtra prepares to go to polls today, the state is witnessing a high-stakes battle between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Mahayuti alliance, led by BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is intent on retaining power while the MVA, consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is determined to make a strong political comeback. Amidst intense campaigning by top leaders, the issues of women's safety and religious polarisation have taken center stage, making this election a closely-watched affair. Stay tuned for live updates on this crucial election.
BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde finds himself embroiled in controversy as he is accused of distributing cash to voters in preparation for Wednesday's election. However, Tawde maintains his innocence and is calling for the release of CCTV footage to prove it. Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania expresses outrage at the situation, questioning the integrity of politicians in Maharashtra.
On the eve of the Maharashtra Assembly election, the BJP held a press conference and accused State Congress president Nana Patole and NCP leader Supriya Sule of being involved in illegal trade of bitcoins. This comes after audio tapes and a WhatsApp chat surfaced, allegedly showing interactions between these leaders and a bitcoin dealer, Gaurav Mehta. The BJP has posed questions to the Congress and its MVA partners, questioning their involvement in the matter and demanding clarity on the issue. Ms. Sule has filed a complaint against these "fake allegations" and has approached the Cyber Crime department and the Election Commission.
Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh's car was attacked while he was returning from campaigning, leaving him severely injured. The Nagpur Rural police have registered a case of attempted murder against four unknown persons and have deployed 2,000 police personnel and officers in the district to maintain law and order. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of political leaders during the ongoing election season.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with top officials to review the security situation in Manipur and directed them to take all necessary measures to maintain peace in the state. The meeting was held soon after Shah's return from Maharashtra, where he cancelled his election rallies. The move comes amid the volatile situation in Manipur due to ongoing ethnic strife and protests over the recovery of bodies of women and children.