Mukesh Ambani emphasized the importance of voting in a brief statement to the media. “Harek bhartiyon ko vote dena chahie, yah meri sab deshvasiyon se appeal hai…,” he said, urging every Indian to participate in the electoral process.

The bustling metropolis of Mumbai witnessed mixed participation, with Mumbai North recording 14.71 per cent, Mumbai South lagging at 12.75 per cent, and Mumbai North West showing a promising 17.53 per cent.

The closure is in line with the BSE market holiday calendar, which aligns with the Lok Sabha polls in Mumbai. As a result, all trading activities across the equity, derivative, and SLB segments will remain suspended for the day.

Polling stations in various parts of Mumbai experienced a steady turnout, with early voters such as Union Minister Piyush Goyal, industrialist Anil Ambani, and actor Akshay Kumar casting their ballots. Other prominent early voters included Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das, former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, actors Janhvi Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar, and Marathi theatre actor Prashant Damle.

Superstar Akshay Kumar was among the early voters who made his way to the polling booth. After casting his vote, he shared his thoughts on the importance of voting for the nation's future. "...I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right... I think voter turnout will be good," he commented optimistically.

In the final phase of Maharashtra's Lok Sabha elections, 13 constituencies, including six in Mumbai, are up for polling on Monday. With over 2.46 crore eligible voters, the contest primarily revolves around the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition Shiv Sena-led coalition in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, where 10 of these 13 seats are located.

In the race for Mumbai’s North Central Lok Sabha seat, BJP’s Ujjwal Nikam and Congress’ Varsha Gaikwad aim to sway the caste dynamics in their favour.

The Baramati Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a peculiar incident as the CCTV in an EVM strongroom allegedly went blank for approximately 45 minutes, sparking an outcry from the opposition. NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule, a contender for the Baramati seat against her sister-in-law, Sunetra A. Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, expressed concern over the incident, calling it foul play.

On Monday, leaders of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alleged substantial cash transfers purportedly aimed at purchasing votes in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocate Anna Hazare expressed disapproval, in contrast to the MahaYuti's denial of the allegations, claiming it's a tactic to divert attention from the potential defeat of the opposition.

Numerous individuals, ranging from seasoned voters to first-timers, found themselves turned away from the polling booths, encountering a perplexing scenario where their names, previously present in the registry, had vanished without explanation.

"Last time in Maharashtra, we secured 41 seats, but this time we will get more," declared Javadekar. "There is a Modi wave in the country because people are thinking about their future and are voting for PM Modi. We are confident that we will cross 400 seats."

The fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra witnesses intense contests across 11 constituencies, featuring prominent leaders like Union Minister Raosaheb Danve, BJP's Pankaja Munde, and actor Amol Kolhe. With 2.28 crore voters participating, the state braces for the final phase on May 20, marking a crucial chapter in its electoral saga.