The Rahuri assembly bypoll in Ahilyanagar district recorded a voter turnout of 56.2% till 6pm on Thursday, which is lower than the 74.52% voter participation recorded in the 2024 assembly polls. The byelection was necessitated after the death of sitting BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile.
Polling Details
The voting process was conducted peacefully across 374 polling stations amid tight security arrangements. Polling began at 7am and continued till evening, with officials noting a steady rise in voter participation as the day progressed.
Hourly Turnout Trends
The constituency saw a sluggish start to polling, registering just 6.4% turnout till 9am. Participation picked up pace thereafter, with 11.8% voters casting their ballots between 9am and 11am, taking the cumulative turnout to 18.2%. The turnout rose to 29.6% by 1pm and further to 39.7% by 3pm, before crossing the halfway mark at 56.2% by 5pm.
Voter Statistics
According to election department data, as many as 1,69,244 of a total electorate of 3,33,545 exercised their franchise till 5pm.
Candidates in the Fray
Seven candidates are contesting the bypoll, including BJP's Akshay Kardile, son of the late MLA Shivajirao Kardile; NCP (SP) nominee Govind Mokate; and independent candidate Ravsaheb (Rahul) Khevare, a rebel from Shiv Sena (UBT). The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Candidates' Statements
After casting his vote, Akshay described the bypoll as being held under unfortunate circumstances but expressed confidence that voters would express their sentiments through the ballot. "The voters of Rahuri are like my family and I am confident of winning the bypoll," he said.
NCP (SP) candidate Mokate also expressed confidence, claiming strong public support. Alleging inadequate development in the constituency during the BJP's tenure, Mokate said he was contesting the election with a clear focus on development.
Independent candidate Khevare stated that his objective was the overall development of Rahuri taluka.
