Lok Sabha Elections 2019: 58% voter turnout marks close contest in Maval, Shirur
In Maval, extensive campaigning by senior NCP leaders in support of party chief Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew Parth generated a lot of enthusiasm among workers, who worked hard to ensure high turnout from the areas favourable to party
Around 58 per cent voting in Maval and Shirur has sparked talks of close contest at both places with Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena hoping a chance for their respective candidates.
Maval is a key seat for Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) given that Parth Pawar, son of Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar, is the party’s candidate for the seat in the Lok Sabha 2019 elections. With other political parties showing extra efforts in the constituency, a lot of public enthusiasm was seen as Maval went to polls on Monday.
In Maval, extensive campaigning by senior NCP leaders in support of party chief Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew Parth generated a lot of enthusiasm among workers, who worked hard to ensure high turnout from the areas favourable to party.
Long queues were seen both in urban areas like Pimpri, Chinchwad, Lonavla, and rural areas as people braved scorching sun and sweltering heat to cast their votes. As per the early estimates, the voting percentage was reported higher in rural areas as compared to urban part of the constituency. Most of the rural parts, mainly in Uran, Karjat and Maval areas, are dominated by NCP, while Chinchwad and Panvel are known to be favourable to Shiv Sena.
After casting his vote, Parth Pawar said, “The Pimpri-Chinchwad and Panvel areas are also favourable for NCP.”
Voters accepted that during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls it was easy to conclude that saffron parties would win the seat, but this time it will be a close fight.
Shrirang Barne, Shiv Sena candidate from Maval, blamed NCP leader Ajit Pawar for abuse of money power in Maval polls.
Shirur Lok Sabha constituency is also a tough fight between NCP and Shiv Sena. Actor Amol Kolhe, famous for his role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj, is contesting against three-time member of Parliament Shiv Sena candidate Shivajirao Adhalrao.
As both are from Narayangaon and Junnar areas in Shirur constituency, voters were very enthusiastic to cast votes. Poll experts state that the NCP candidate will give a tough challenge to three-time winner Adhalrao.