The counting of votes for the Maharashtra Assembly elections begins today, November 23, marking a crucial moment in the state’s political history. The results will reveal if the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, can retain power or if the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance will make a strong comeback. The MVA includes Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction.
Key Highlights of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections
- Election Day and Voter Turnout:
- Voting took place on November 20 across all 288 Assembly seats.
- Maharashtra saw a voter turnout of 66.05%, with the highest participation in Gadchiroli and the lowest in Mumbai City.
- The Alliances at Play:
- The Mahayuti alliance consists of the BJP (149 candidates), Shiv Sena (81 candidates), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP (59 candidates).
- The MVA alliance features Congress (101 candidates), Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (95 candidates), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (86 candidates).
- Majority Mark and Predictions:
- A party or alliance needs 145 seats to form the government in Maharashtra.
- Exit polls predict a strong performance by the Mahayuti alliance, though the MVA is expected to show resilience.
- Controversies and Allegations:
- The elections were marred by allegations against BJP leader Vinod Tawde for attempting to buy votes, which Uddhav Thackeray termed as “note jihad.”
- Impact of Party Splits:
- This is the first assembly election after significant splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP. The results will reshape Maharashtra’s political dynamics.
Decisive Role of Leadership
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde stated that Mahayuti leaders would decide collectively on the Chief Minister if they win. The decision will be critical for steering the state’s future governance.
Jharkhand Assembly Elections: NDA vs INDIA Bloc
In Jharkhand, the focus is on the contest between the ruling JMM-led alliance and the BJP-led NDA. The results of the 81-seat Assembly election will determine the future of the state’s leadership.
- The Key Players:
- JMM-led Alliance: Includes the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist).
- BJP-led NDA: Comprises the BJP, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).
- Voter Turnout:
- Jharkhand witnessed a 67.74% voter turnout across two phases of polling, with the second phase seeing a high of 68.95%.
- Predictions and Expectations:
- Exit polls are divided, with some predicting a hung assembly and others giving a slight edge to the BJP-led NDA.
- Both alliances are relying on their governance records and promises to win voter confidence.
Nationwide Bypolls: Testing Ground for Political Strategies
The bypolls for 46 Assembly seats in 13 states and two Lok Sabha constituencies—Nanded in Maharashtra and Wayanad in Kerala—are also being counted. These results are significant as they mark the first electoral test after the parliamentary elections.
- Focus on Uttar Pradesh:
- For the BJP, the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh are critical after a lackluster performance in the Lok Sabha elections. The results will indicate whether the party can regain its footing in the state.
- Priyanka Gandhi’s Debut:
- In Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting from Wayanad, a seat vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi. This election is pivotal for Congress to strengthen its presence in the state.
The high voter turnout and intense competition indicate the importance of these elections for both the NDA and the INDIA bloc. With significant implications for leadership and governance, the outcomes will set the tone for India’s political landscape in the years to come.
