Mumbai Civic Polls: High Stakes and Star Power

The Mumbai civic polls saw a 41.08% voter turnout by 3:30 PM. Key figures, including Uddhav Thackeray and Bollywood stars, emphasized the importance of participation. Controversies arose over polling irregularities and viral videos of ink removal. Meanwhile, other states witnessed tragic incidents during cultural celebrations.

The Mumbai civic polls garnered significant attention as 41.08% of eligible voters cast their ballots by 3:30 PM. The polls were marked by appeals from political leaders like Uddhav Thackeray, who called for the ousting of the BJP regime, citing democratic irregularities.

Prominent Bollywood figures like Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan also took to the polls, urging Mumbaikars to actively engage in the electoral process. In a separate incident, concerns were raised over the validity of the polling process as videos surfaced showing the removal of supposedly indelible ink.

Away from the polls, Maharashtra saw Amit Shah extolling Shankaracharya's influence on Indian identity. Meanwhile, other regions faced tragic news with van-tractor collisions in Bhopal and deaths during Uttarayan festivities in Gujarat, highlighting a rise in emergency cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)