“Mumbai Wants Development, Not Excuses”: Eknath Shinde Sees Strong Early Turnout as Vote for Change

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday expressed confidence over the direction of the ongoing civic elections, citing a strong early voter turnout in Mumbai as a clear signal of public enthusiasm and a desire for change. Speaking to the media during polling hours, Shinde said the atmosphere on the ground reflected hope, participation, and trust in the democratic process.

According to Shinde, a significant number of voters stepped out early in the day to exercise their franchise. He pointed out that within the first hour of voting, more than a quarter of the electorate in Mumbai had already cast their ballots. Describing the turnout as encouraging, the Deputy Chief Minister said it showed that citizens were eager to shape the city’s future and support a development-oriented vision.

Shinde appealed to voters across Maharashtra to actively participate in the elections, stressing that every vote plays a crucial role in deciding long-term growth and governance. He said people were voting not out of fear or pressure, but with the expectation of better infrastructure, improved civic services, and stable administration in the years ahead.

Addressing concerns raised by opposition parties over the electoral process, Shinde dismissed allegations of irregularities as politically motivated. He said he had personally spoken with officials from the Election Commission, who clarified that electronic voting machines have been consistently used in local body elections for over a decade. According to him, the same parties now questioning the system had earlier accepted it without objection.

The Deputy Chief Minister suggested that doubts being raised at this stage were an attempt to shift focus away from the real issues and pre-empt electoral outcomes. However, he maintained that transparency and fairness remain essential, adding that the Election Commission must continue to ensure free and impartial elections.