In the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, winners represented just 34% of registered voters, with a significant influence of crorepati and candidates with criminal records

In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, winners represent only 34 per cent of the total registered voters on average, up slightly from 30 per cent in 2019, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The findings also reveal a significant representation of candidates with declared criminal cases and wealthy candidates (crorepatis).

ADR’s analysis highlights the disparity between the total electorate and those actually represented by elected leaders, offering insights into voter behaviour, representativeness, and election dynamics. The data reflects key shifts compared to the 2019 elections.

Voter turnout and winning margins

The winners in the 2024 elections averaged 51 per cent of the total votes polled, up from 49 per cent in 2019, showing greater vote consolidation. Additionally, 56 per cent of the winners secured more than 50 per cent of the vote share in their constituencies.

Winners with criminal cases and crorepati influence

Candidates with declared criminal cases continued to wield significant electoral power:

• 109 out of 189 (58 per cent) secured more than 50 per cent of the vote share.

• In contrast, 52 out of 99 (53 per cent) “clean” candidates achieved the same feat.

Crorepati candidates also dominated:

• Among 279 crorepati winners studied, 157 (56 per cent) won with more than 50 per cent vote share.

• In comparison, only 44 per cent of non-crorepati winners reached the same threshold.

Narrow victory margins and standout results

Four winners clinched their constituencies by margins of fewer than 1,000 votes, emphasising the importance of every vote. Conversely, eight winners secured victory by more than a 50 per cent margin, indicating stark contrasts in voter support.

Notably, Gopichand Kundlik Padalkar (BJP) from Jat constituency in Sangli district, a non-crorepati candidate, defeated his crorepati opponent with a decisive 17.95 per cent margin, challenging the narrative of financial dominance.

Women candidates

Among the 288 winners, 22 women were elected, garnering more than 25 per cent vote share in their constituencies. Aditi Sunil Tatkare of NCP from Shrivardhan achieved an impressive 70.79 per cent vote share, representing 43.75 per cent of registered voters, and won by a margin of 50.51 per cent.

Public discontent and Nota

The “None of the Above” (Nota) option received 4,61,866 votes (0.72 per cent) of the total 6.45 crore votes cast, highlighting pockets of voter dissatisfaction.

Re-election trends

Among the 183 re-elected winners, 58 per cent retained their seats with over 50 per cent of the vote share. However, 37 per cent won with margins under 10 per cent, indicating tighter contests in many constituencies.

What these numbers mean for democracy

The ADR report underscores the complexities of voter behaviour, wealth, criminal backgrounds, and gender representation in Maharashtra’s 2024 elections. While marginal improvements in vote share and representativeness are evident, the significant proportion of winners with criminal records and financial clout underscores the need for electoral reforms.

As voter awareness grows and participation evolves, Maharashtra’s political landscape is poised for further transformation in the coming years.