Mumbai: Amid tight security, polling for 288 Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra began this morning (Oct 13, 2004).

An estimated 6.59 crore voters are expected to decide the fate of the total 2,678 candidates in the crucial elections, the first face off between the Congress and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) after the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) assumed the power at the Centre dislodging the NDA (National Democratic Alliance). A total of 3,43,61,611 male voters and 3,15,51,654 female voters are expected to their franchise.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the authorities to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling, which began at the stroke of 7:30 hrs (IST) at 64,390 booths.

Altogether 2,390 paramilitary force personnel along with 4,700 civil police and 5,700 Home guards have been drawn from the Centre in addition to the 70,000 police and 30,000 Home Guards from the State to ensure security arrangements. A total of 82,000 Electronic Voting Machines have been installed and 3.5 lakh polling staff have been deployed across the 35 districts.

Out of the 2678 candidates, Congress has fielded 157, BJP 111, NCP 124, Shiv Sena 163, BSP 272, SP 95, CPM (Communist Party Marxist) 16 and CPI 15, others 642.

A total 1083 independents are also in the fray.