Mumbai: Nearly 8,000 Candidates Await State’s Verdict on November 20With Maharashtra’s 2024 assembly election approaching, the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have finalized their candidate distributions for the 288 seats up for grabs on November 20. The intense electoral battle sees these major coalitions rallying behind key leaders and strategizing across constituencies as voter dynamics intensify.
The BJP has taken the lead within the Mahayuti alliance, fielding candidates in 152 seats. In alliance with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, which is contesting 80 seats, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, running in 52 seats, Mahayuti’s framework emphasizes BJP’s dominant role. This coalition also includes additional seats allocated to minor allies to bolster grassroots support in selected regions.
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Commenting on the strategic layout, BJP insiders highlighted the importance of leveraging Shinde’s widespread appeal in Maharashtra’s rural and urban strongholds. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence in Mahayuti’s capacity to secure a clear mandate, aiming to build on previous electoral gains.
Facing Mahayuti, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—comprised of the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction or UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP—has finalized its seat-sharing arrangements with Congress contesting 102 seats, the Shiv Sena (UBT) 96, and NCP in 87. This coalition underscores a significant unity move within Maharashtra’s opposition, aiming to challenge Mahayuti’s dominance in key constituencies.
Uddhav Thackeray, rallying for his faction, stated, “We are in this to restore Maharashtra’s legacy and provide a transparent, people-oriented governance,” as the alliance focuses on economic stability and social welfare. Congress leaders echoed the sentiment, asserting MVA’s shared commitment to address pressing issues like unemployment and agrarian distress.
Nearly 8,000 candidates have entered the fray, setting the stage for one of the most contested elections in Maharashtra’s history. The filing process, which concluded on October 29, witnessed approximately 10,905 nominations across the state. With verification ongoing, final candidature withdrawals are due by November 4. Election results will be announced on November 23, with voter turnout expected to be robust, given the high level of competition and candidate diversity.
As the campaigns ramp up, both alliances aim to capitalize on their strengths, hoping to address voter concerns and leverage their leadership. This election represents a pivotal moment for Maharashtra’s political landscape, with key players setting their sights on a decisive victory in the upcoming polls.
