Actor RajKummar Rao was among one of the first Bollywood celebs to cast his vote as polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections began early Wednesday morning. Mumbai: Actor RajKummar Rao was among one of the first Bollywood celebs to cast his vote as polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections began early Wednesday morning. While speaking to the media, the 'Stree' actor said, "It is very important (to vote).
Everyone, please step out and vote. This is the voting day, it is very important." The actor was also seen interacting with security personnel stationed outside the voting booth, even taking selfies with them.
Filmmaker Kabir Khan also cast his vote. Voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the single-phase Maharashtra assembly elections and will conclude at 6 pm. Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies.
A total of 4,136 candidates are contesting the elections, including 2,086 independents. The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and the NCP 59. The Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 86.
The BSP is contesting 237 seats, while other smaller parties are also in the fray. The state has approximately 9.7 crore registered voters.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. Mumbai Police has deployed over 25,000 personnel, including riot-control teams and home guards. According to the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate, more than 2,000 poli.