The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance has crossed the majority mark in Maharashtra’s 2024 assembly elections, early trends revealed on Saturday morning. With the party leading in 214 out of the state’s 288 seats, the Mahayuti is poised to secure power in the state.
The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is currently leading in 57 seats, falling far behind the ruling alliance. This marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with the MVA struggling to gain ground despite expectations of a closer race.
The counting of votes began at 8 am on Saturday, following the assembly elections held on November 20. The state registered a voter turnout of 66%, surpassing the 61% turnout in the 2019 elections, indicating increased voter engagement.
This election is particularly significant as it is the first in Maharashtra since the split in Shiv Sena and the NCP, making it a key battleground for both alliances. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, forming the Mahayuti, are determined to retain their grip on the state, while the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SCP), comprising the MVA, aim to wrest power back.
Notably, most exit polls had predicted a clear victory for the BJP-led alliance, although some anticipated a tight contest. BJP contested 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) 59. On the opposition side, Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SCP) 86. Other smaller parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and AIMIM, also contested significant numbers of seats.
As the final results are being tallied, BJP leaders have expressed confidence that the alliance will secure a strong mandate and have thanked the electorate for their support.
-led Mahayuti alliance has crossed the majority mark in Maharashtra’s 2024 assembly elections, early trends revealed on Saturday morning.){kind=link}