Thane (Maharashtra) [India], November 20 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, after casting his vote on Wednesday, described the elections as a "festival of democracy" and urged everyone to participate actively, while also highlighting the difference in governance during the rule of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the Maha Yuti.

"Today is the festival of democracy, and everyone should participate and vote. This will strengthen Maharashtra and its democracy. People have not forgotten what happened in 2019. The mandate was for Maha Yuti, but Maha Yuti could not form the government. People have seen their (Maha Vikas Aghadi) 2.5 years of rule and our 2.5 years of development. Mahayuti will form the government with a huge majority," Shinde said.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cast his vote at a polling booth in Thane for the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. After voting, the incumbent CM showed his inked finger to the media. Shinde, who became the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra after leading a rebellion against Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, is a four-time elected MLA from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane.