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Maharashtra

Attention Mumbaikars! Things To Keep In Mind While Casting Your Vote On November 20, 2024

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As Maharashtra gets ready for the forthcoming Assembly Elections, it is crucial for us as residents to exercise our right to vote and choose our preferred candidates with care. Even if you have voted before, you still need to follow the rules and safety measures when going to the polling place and voting. When you go to the voting centre on November 20, remember these things when you vote at your designated election centre.

Things To Check

Check Your Name In Voter’s List

First and foremost, you need to check your name in the voter’s list, without which you would not be allowed in the voting centre premises and therefore will not be able to cast your vote.

Where to check voter registration status?

Voting is allowed only for individuals listed in the Voter List (also called electoral roll). Confirm your name on the list by either:

Accessing the website https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/

If you want to contact the Voter Helpline 1950, please remember to include your STD code before dialling.

Send an SMS to 1950 for EPIC, which stands for Electors Photo Identity Card and is commonly referred to as a voter ID card. If your EPIC number is 12345678, text ECI 12345678 to 1950.

Get the Voter Helpline App on Android and the Voter Helpline App on iOS.

Know Your Candidates

To cast your valuable vote, the most important aspect is to know the candidates electing from your constituency. Voters can visit the Candidate Affidavit Portal, download the Voter Helpline App (Android) and Voter Helpline App (iOS) to see the list of candidates, or simply visit the Election Commission of India (ECI) website to search for constituencies and know your candidates.

What Should You Carry With Yourself?

Following is the list of things you must carry while visiting the voting centre to cast your vote:

EPIC (Voter ID card)

Passport

Driving Licence

Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies

Passbooks with photograph issued by the bank or post office

PAN Card

Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR

MNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)

Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour

Pension document with photograph

Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs

Aadhaar Card

How Is Voting Process Carried Out?

The initial polling official will verify your name on the voter list and confirm your ID proof.

The second polling official will mark your finger with ink, provide you with a slip, and ask for your signature on a register (Form 17A).

You must hand over the slip to the third polling official, display your inked finger, and then make your way to the polling booth.

Electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, and other gadgets are prohibited in polling booths.

How Do You Cast Your Vote?

EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine, and VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which is machinery inside the polling ballot that helps you cast your vote.

There are several columns on the ballots that help you to recognise candidates, political parties, the serial number given to the candidates, and their image, along with a blue button on the screen.

Cast your vote by pushing the ballot button next to the candidate’s symbol on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM); a beep will confirm your selection.

Verify the ticket visible through the clear window of the VVPAT device. The slip displaying the candidate serial number, name, and symbol will be visible for 7 seconds before being placed in the sealed VVPAT box.

If you are not satisfied with any candidate, you have the option to select NOTA, which stands for None of the Above, located as the final button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

To get more details, visit the Voter Guide at ecisveep.nic.in.

Regulations To Be Followed

Any individual not participating in election duties is prohibited from entering a 100-meter perimeter around any polling station from 6 am to 12 am on the day of the election.

No loitering, joining assemblies, or forming groups will be permitted on highways, streets, lanes, or any public place near polling stations.

There will be distinct lines for males and females outside polling places. Voters will be allowed entry one by one according to their place in line, with oversight from the presiding officer.

Voters are prohibited from bringing or using mobile phones, wireless devices, or other electronic gadgets within a 100-meter radius of polling stations, unless authorised election or police personnel.

The rules also forbid the positioning of election campaign items like posters or banners within a 100-meter radius of polling booths.

Using loudspeakers or megaphones in this area is prohibited to uphold the integrity of the voting process and avoid influencing voters inappropriately.

Electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets are prohibited inside the voting centre; if you bring them, you must surrender them.

Maharashtra

Tension at Vashi Naka in Mumbai over the replacement of the Kali Mata idol with Mount Mary; case filed, priest arrested after protests by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists

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Mumbai: The idol of Kali Mata in the crematorium of Chembur Vashi village was changed into the shape of Mount Mary, after which tension spread in the area, but the police have claimed to have arrested a priest in this matter, who had done the above act, which had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. The police brought the situation under control and also solved the case. After this incident, an attempt was made to spoil the atmosphere, but later the priest was found to be involved in it, after which peace has now prevailed here. A shocking incident has come to light in Mumbai, in which the idol of Kali Mata installed in the crematorium of Chembur Vashi village was redesigned to resemble Mount Mary. This incident has caused a wave of shock and anger among the residents of the area.

On receiving the information, the RCF police reached the spot, assessed the situation and arrested the priest involved. The police have also registered an FIR in connection with the incident.

During initial interrogation, the accused priest told the police that he had received a “dream instruction” to redesign the idol of Kali Mata to resemble Mount Mary. Following this alleged “dream instruction”, he tried to change the shape of the idol.

Given the seriousness of the matter, police officers are conducting further investigations. The motives behind the change, and whether there was any other reason or conflict behind the change, are also under investigation.

Local people and some Bajrang Dal workers expressed satisfaction with the police action and said that any kind of change without permission at religious places is unacceptable. DCP Sameer Shaikh said that the accused who changed the shape of the idol has been arrested and the investigation is ongoing. The police are also investigating why the accused committed such a questionable and controversial act, who is behind it, and on whose instructions he changed the shape of the idol. Investigations are ongoing on all these points. However, due to the situation, the police have deployed additional arrangements here and the situation is also being monitored. At present, there is peace but tension remains.

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Maharashtra

Veteran Bollywood Actor Dharmendra Passes Away at 89

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Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, passed away today at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89. His departure marks the end of an era in Hindi film history, leaving behind millions of grieving fans and admirers.

Dharmendra had been unwell for the past several days. He faced respiratory complications and other age-related health issues, for which he was hospitalized briefly before being shifted back home. Earlier today, a sense of concern arose as activity increased outside his residence, and soon after, the heartbreaking news of his demise was confirmed.

With a career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra made his debut in the early 1960s and went on to become one of the most admired and celebrated actors of Indian cinema. From romance to comedy, drama to action, he mastered every genre and delivered countless memorable performances. His screen presence, charm, and natural acting style earned him a permanent place in the hearts of audiences.

The film industry is in deep mourning. Actors, filmmakers, and fans across the country are paying tribute, remembering him as a powerhouse performer and a humble human being. Many are calling his passing “the end of an era,” acknowledging that his contribution to cinema is both historic and irreplaceable.

Beyond films, Dharmendra was a devoted family man—deeply connected with his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. His simplicity, warmth, and affectionate nature made him beloved not just onscreen but also in his personal life.

His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Yet, his legacy will continue to shine through his timeless films, unforgettable characters, and the memories he gifted to generations of viewers.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that his soul rests in peace.

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Maharashtra

Winter rains expected in the state, alert issued in three districts

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Mumbai: The weather in the state is constantly changing. Now after the severe cold, the Indian Meteorological Department has given a major warning of direct rain. The state is currently facing favorable weather for rain.

The state has been experiencing cold and temperature in the last few days. The mercury is continuously falling. Pune is experiencing severe cold, Punekar is facing pink cold due to the drop in temperature. Not only Pune, many parts of the state are experiencing severe cold and cold winds are blowing from the north. North India is experiencing severe cold and the mercury is likely to fall further in the next few days. However, the cold has decreased slightly since yesterday. The mercury is falling in the districts of Mumbai, Nagpur, Akola, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Beed, Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, Ahlia Nagar, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Jalgaon, Bhandara, Ayutthaya. The mercury in Dhule fell to 7.5 Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department has now issued a big warning.

Although the cold is being felt at the moment, the cold has decreased in some areas compared to the last two or three days. Not only this, the weather is also cloudy. Currently, the environment is favorable for rain in the state. The Indian Meteorological Department has also issued a rain warning in some districts. Rain warnings have been issued in Kolhapur, Sangli and Sindhudurg districts.

The mercury is below 10 degrees in some places. On Friday, the lowest temperature in the state was recorded in Dhule. The temperature was recorded in Dhule at 7.5 degrees. The temperature was recorded in Parbhani at 8.9. The temperature was recorded in Nafad at 8 degrees Celsius. The mercury dropped to 11 degrees in Pune, Ahlia Nagar and Mahabaleshwar. Today, the weather is favorable for rain in some cities of the state. There will be light to moderate rain in Kolhapur, Sangli and Sindhudurg.

The mercury has dropped below 10 degrees in Pune. Due to which there is a heavy fog in the air. To avoid the cold, Ganpati Bappa is traditionally dressed in a woolen sweater and ear caps at Saras Bagh in Pune. This sweater is given to Ganpati Bappa with the pleasant feeling that Ganpati Bappa is also feeling the cold. Every winter, whenever the cold increases, Ganpati Bappa is given a sweater.

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