Ambani, Pawar, Deshmukh, Tendulkar among early voters

Union Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, industrialist Anil Ambani, Mumbai Police chief D Sivanandan and BCCI chief Shashank Manohar were among the early voters in the Maharashtra Assembly polls today.

Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule, accompanied by supporters, cast their vote in a polling station in hometown Baramati in Pune district.

"Our focus will be on overall development of the state and providing a stable government. People think that Shiv Sena-BJP alliance won't be able to run the government. Price rise will not affect us," Pawar said after exercising his franchise.

Deshmukh, who cast his vote with family members at native village Babhalgaon in Latur district, said the Congress-NCP alliance will reach the 'magic' figure to form the government.

"Youth voters form 60 per cent of total votes. We have a number of youth candidates. We are expecting a good number of votes," Deshmukh said.

Sivanandan said, "Vote is always for someone who gives us security. We should vote for those who don't create fear among the people. I voted on these grounds."

Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, daughter Praniti Shinde, a candidate from Solapur, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actor Rahul Bose and BJP candidate Poonam Mahajan were among others who cast their vote.