Counting of votes for the second phase of Maharashtra’s civic body elections will begin today, December 21, with results expected by the end of the day. The polls covered 23 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the state, along with elections to 143 vacant member posts in these local bodies.
Polling concluded at 5.30 pm on Saturday, December 20. Voting began at 7.30 am and, by afternoon, the State Election Commission (SEC) reported an overall turnout of 47.04 percent. Six wards across Sinnar, Ozar and Chandwad recorded a relatively higher voter participation of 49.47 percent. The final turnout figures are likely to be announced along with the results.
Among the prominent civic bodies that went to the polls in this phase are Baramati and Ambernath, making the outcome politically significant. However, polling day was marred by reports of irregularities at several locations.
In Ambernath, allegations surfaced that around 200 women were allegedly brought in to cast votes fraudulently. Officials also flagged the use of fake Aadhaar cards to impersonate voters. Similar complaints are being investigated in parts of Nanded and Panvel.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted to probe the alleged malpractice in Ambernath, is expected to submit its report today. Authorities have said investigations into other reported cases of bogus voting are also underway.
As counting progresses, political parties and candidates remain on edge, not only awaiting the results but also the findings of ongoing probes that could have a bearing on the credibility of the electoral process in some civic bodies.
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