Hours before counting of votes to decide the fate of candidates in the eight city constituencies, many candidates were busy with last-minute prayers or seeking blessings from elders.

Vikas Mathkari, BJP candidate from Shivajinagar, visited his mother’s place in Kothrud on Wednesday. “I sought my mother’s blessings. I do not believe in rituals, but before any important work I always touch my mother’s feet,” said Mathkari. After meeting with his party men, Mathkari spent the evening watching a movie with his family. “I actually enjoyed this brief period between voting day and counting day. I watched two-three movies last week and as my daughter had bought tickets of a show, I went to watch Wake Up Sid in the evening,” he said.

Bapu Pathare, NCP candidate from Wadagaonsheri, had meetings with party workers and decided who will be present and who will keep watch on other results. Pathare, however, has planned his Thursday with a visit to the family deity at Bhairavnath temple in Kharadi. “I am hoping for a favourable result,” he said. Ravindra Dhangekar, MNS candidate from Kasba Peth, went about doing his routine things and did not miss to visit the temple of Kasba Ganpati, the city deity. “I never miss my visit to Kasba Ganpati in the evening,” he said. He, however, added that any result wouldn’t affect his daily routine — of meeting people and doing their work. “I am not going to the place of counting. Party workers will keep me updated,” said Dhangekar.

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