Challenges and Hopes: Navi Mumbai’s Election 2024 Experience
Navi Mumbai, a part of the Thane Lok Sabha constituency, saw a tepid response from voters in the morning hours of the election 2024 , in spite of extensive arrangements by the organization and high-pitched campaigning by both Shiv Sena groups. Despite a holiday declared by private firms to encourage hassle-free voting, voters at nearly all polling centers in Navi Mumbai faced long lines and a slow voting process. Out of the 24 lakh voters registered in the Thane Lok Sabha constituency, Navi Mumbai, with two assembly segments – Belapur and Airoli – has over 8.5 lakh electors.
Residents of Navi Mumbai confronted issues during election 2024, with many complaining approximately the need of basic comforts at surveying stations, such as water offices, considering the scorching heat. One client posted on microblogging platform X, expressing, “No water office accessible in this scorching 38° heat.” Another client communicated frustration with the voting management during the elction 2024, saying, “Extremely bad voting management at Mumbai Vidyapeeth Conf Hall, Runwal Garden, Thane. At least 3 hours of waiting time in a line during scorching heat. Only 1 EVM operational for portion number 96 for women and gents queue.” Political observer B.N. Kumar famous the absence of political specialists exterior surveying centers to direct and motivate voters in the early hours, which he accepted appeared the resentment among residents towards the government.
Despite the challenges faces during election 2024 , a few voters, like a inhabitant of Detestable Parle, chosen to vote early to avoid the heat. Another voter in Bhandup claimed that the excitement among voters appears they need a change. Many voters, including the family of former minister Ganesh Naik, cast their votes early in the morning, encouraging citizens to work out their democratic rights for better governance in the election 2024. However, as the day progressed, the voter turnout remained low, with numerous inhabitants communicating hatred towards the government for not addressing their concerns. The moderate pace of the voting prepare and long lines tried the persistence of Mumbai residents, with some leaving without casting their votes after holding up in line for an extended period. Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief, alleged that the prepare was purposely slowed down in certain areas. As the day advanced during the election 2024 , the voter turnout in Mumbai remained low, with the city recording a greatest temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. By 5 pm, Maharashtra had recorded a 48.66% normal polling.
Former BJP Corporator from Colaba Makarand Narwekar said numerous residents in tony areas of Colaba and Cuffe Parade had already arranged trips to international and domestic goals for vacation around the voting day. Despite the challenges, the election 2024 in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai saw a mix of enthusiasm and disappointment among voters, with many communicating their desire for change and better governance
