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Maharashtra Election Results 2024: Mahayuti Alliance Poised for Landslide Victory

The Maharashtra Assembly election results of 2024 have signaled a decisive win for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, ensuring its continued dominance in the state. As of the latest update, Mahayuti, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), has secured a commanding position, crossing the majority mark in the 288-member assembly.

The election, held on November 20, witnessed a voter turnout of 66.05%, surpassing the 61% turnout in the 2019 polls. The Mahayuti alliance leads in over 200 constituencies, with several candidates declared winners, following a significant political split. Among the prominent winners were Bankar Diliprao Shankarrao (NCP), Gavit Rajendra Dhedya (Shiv Sena), and Parag Shah (BJP). The ongoing tally indicates a clean sweep for the alliance in key regions, including Mumbai and Vidarbha.

BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence in the alliance’s victory, stating, “The people have placed their faith in Mahayuti.”

In contrast, the MVA, which had hoped for a close race, faced significant setbacks. Despite predictions of a tight contest, the alliance could not mount a serious challenge against the incumbent government’s popularity. The election results highlight the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra post the split in Shiv Sena and NCP.

The Mahayuti’s victory marks the continuation of its stronghold in Maharashtra, as it prepares to form the next government. The success highlights the alliance’s effective campaigning and leadership of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP under Shinde and Pawar.

Welfare, Identity, and Political Strategy: Key Takeaways from Maharashtra and Jharkhand Elections

The assembly election results for Maharashtra and Jharkhand have sparked a wider debate on the role of welfare schemes, identity politics, and electoral strategies. As both the JMM-led government in Jharkhand and the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra emerge victorious, three crucial lessons stand out.

1. The Power of Welfare Schemes

Both Maharashtra and Jharkhand governments introduced cash transfer schemes targeting women before the elections, which proved to be a pivotal strategy. In Maharashtra, the Ladki Bahin scheme and Jharkhand’s Maiya Samman Yojana gained traction, mirroring similar successful schemes in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. As political analysts point out, welfare schemes, often labelled as “freebies” or “doles,” are now an integral part of electoral strategies across states, regardless of their economic status. The underprivileged voter expects tangible benefits, and governments are tapping into this demand to secure electoral victories.

2. Economic Pragmatism vs Fiscal Conservatism

Critics, including Prashant Kishor, argue that the 2024 interim budget’s lack of financial relief may hurt BJP’s election prospects. As Kishor observed, “The underclass expects government support in times of difficulty, and the 2024 budget missed this opportunity.”

3. Identity Politics: A Double-Edged Sword

In both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, identity-based politics played a critical role. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) successfully consolidated tribal votes, while the Shiv Sena’s ideological shift created internal rifts. Experts like political analyst Yogendra Yadav emphasize that identity-based projects must be consistent and rooted in the electorate’s needs. He noted, “You cannot force voters to accept ideologies that ignore their historical grievances.” The shift in Maharashtra, where BJP’s alliance outperformed the Shiv Sena, highlights the dangers of ideological inconsistency.

The recent results highlight that winning elections requires economic pragmatism, ideological consistency, and understanding voters’ needs, says Sanjay Kumar.

BJP-led Mahayuti Surges Ahead, Crosses Majority Mark in Maharashtra; MVA Trails

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.

Maharashtra Assembly Polls: Eknath Shinde Hails NDA’s Landslide Victory, Mahayuti Alliance Leads with Overwhelming Majority

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed his gratitude to the people of Maharashtra as the NDA alliance, known as Mahayuti, is poised for a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. With the vote counting showing massive leads, Shinde thanked various sections of society, including farmers, women, senior citizens, and youth, acknowledging their role in the triumph.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shinde confidently reiterated his earlier predictions, stating that Mahayuti would secure a “thumping majority.” He emphasized that the victory was a reflection of the people’s approval of the government’s work over the past two and a half years.

Shinde, who is contesting from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly constituency in Thane, is leading by a massive margin of 45,979 votes against Sena(UBT) leader Kedar Dighe. His son, Shrikant Shinde, also lauded the victory, calling it a “people’s victory” and the “Maha Vijay of Mahayuti.” Shrikant highlighted the stark contrast between the Mahayuti’s development agenda and the opposition’s focus on criticism.

In the broader picture, the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, is leading in 222 seats, with BJP candidate Kalidas Nilkanth Kolambar securing a win in Wadala by 24,973 votes. In contrast, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar), is trailing behind with leads in just 55 seats.

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 66.05%, surpassing the 61% recorded in the 2019 polls. The results largely align with the projections of exit polls, which had predicted an edge for the Mahayuti alliance, though some had suggested a closer contest between the two major alliances.

As the Mahayuti celebrates its decisive win, Shinde’s leadership appears to have resonated deeply with the electorate, reinforcing the alliance’s stronghold in Maharashtra.

Mangal Prabhat Lodha Leads from Malabar Hill as BJP Eyes Another Win in Maharashtra Assembly Polls

Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Tourism, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Minister, is leading in the Malabar Hill constituency in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. As of the latest updates, Lodha, contesting for his seventh consecutive term, is ahead with a substantial margin of 36,362 votes against Shiv Sena (UBT) debutant Bherulal Choudhary.

Lodha, a prominent businessman and founder of Macrotech Developers, previously led the BJP’s Mumbai unit and has been a significant figure in state politics. His political journey began in the early 1990s when he joined the BJP, later holding key positions including Vice President of both Mumbai Pradesh and Maharashtra Pradesh BJP. Lodha has represented the Malabar Hill seat since 1995, winning multiple terms with large margins, including the highest percentage of votes in Maharashtra during the 2014 elections.

This year’s contest between Lodha and Choudhary has gained attention due to their unique personal connection. Both hail from Bhinmal, a village in Rajasthan, leading to a rivalry that has become symbolic within the Jain community and local residents, often seen as a battle between brothers-in-law. Choudhary, a solicitor with over three decades of experience, has garnered local support by offering free legal assistance to residents in the constituency.

Lodha, who is also deeply rooted in social work and nationalism, was inspired by his father, Justice Gumanmal Lodha, a former Member of Parliament. He moved to Mumbai in 1981, where he transitioned from legal practice to establish a successful business and become a prominent political figure. His leadership in Maharashtra’s tourism and skill development sectors has further solidified his position as a key BJP leader.

Union Minister Amit Shah praised Lodha’s leadership, calling his victory a testament to the BJP’s ongoing popularity in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

‘Ek Hain To Safe Hain’: Fadnavis Celebrates Mahayuti Alliance’s Lead in Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence as the Mahayuti alliance inched closer to victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. By 12:45 PM on the day of counting, data from the Election Commission (EC) showed BJP leading on 125 seats, Shiv Sena on 55, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, on 38, all part of the ruling coalition.

Reiterating the BJP’s famous slogan, Fadnavis shared on X, “Ek Hain To Safe Hai. Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai,” emphasizing the alliance’s strength. The BJP’s overwhelming lead signals a strong performance, despite earlier challenges in the campaign. Fadnavis is also leading in Nagpur South West, with a margin of over 19,000 votes, according to the latest EC figures.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally congratulated Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis for their achievements, marking a key moment for the ruling alliance.

This success is particularly significant for Fadnavis, who had offered to resign as deputy chief minister after the BJP’s underwhelming results in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His political journey, marked by multiple twists and turns, saw him navigate challenges within his party and alliances.

Fadnavis first rose to prominence as Nagpur’s youngest mayor, before becoming chief minister in 2014 after the BJP emerged as the largest party in the assembly. However, the 2019 elections saw a dramatic shift when Shiv Sena demanded the chief minister’s post, leading Fadnavis to briefly ally with Ajit Pawar’s NCP. This government lasted only 72 hours, and Fadnavis then served as Leader of the Opposition.

In 2022, following a rebellion by Eknath Shinde and 39 other MLAs, the MVA government collapsed. Fadnavis returned as Deputy Chief Minister under Shinde’s leadership, signaling his commitment to the party despite initial reluctance.

Punjab By-Polls: AAP Wins Chabbewal, Leads in Gidderbaha and Dera Baba Nanak; Congress Leads in Barnala

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has emerged victorious in the Chabbewal assembly seat in Punjab, with Ishank Kumar Chabbewal defeating Congress nominee Ranjit Kumar by a significant margin of 28,690 votes. Chabbewal, a doctor by profession, secured 51,904 votes, while Ranjit Kumar garnered 23,214 votes. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate, Sohan Singh Thandal, trailed far behind with 8,692 votes.

In the ongoing vote count, AAP is also leading in Gidderbaha and Dera Baba Nanak, while Congress holds a lead in the Barnala segment. The trends in these four crucial by-poll seats in Punjab indicate a tightly contested race, with AAP continuing its strong presence in the state.

In Gidderbaha, AAP’s Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon is leading by 5,976 votes against Congress candidate Amrita Warring, the wife of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. After four rounds of counting, BJP’s Manpreet Singh Badal, former Punjab finance minister, is in third place.

Meanwhile, in Barnala, Congress’s Kuldeep Singh Dhillon is leading with a margin of 2,750 votes over BJP’s Kewal Singh Dhillon, after eight rounds of counting. AAP’s Harinder Singh Dhaliwal is trailing in third place.

The contest in Dera Baba Nanak remains neck-and-neck, with AAP’s Gurdeep Singh Randhawa leading Congress’s Jatinder Kaur Randhawa by just 505 votes after nine rounds of counting. Kaur had been leading from the third to the eighth round, but the tide has now shifted in favor of AAP.

The by-polls were triggered after the incumbent legislators were elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. Voting took place on November 20, and the counting of votes began at 8 AM on Saturday.

What the Candidates Said
Ishank Kumar Chabbewal thanked Chabbewal voters, emphasizing healthcare and development, while Kuldeep Singh Dhillon urged party unity for victory.

Ajay Choudhari Leads in Shivadi Constituency: Aiming for Third Consecutive Win in Maharashtra Elections 2024

Shiv Sena-UBT’s Ajay Choudhari is currently leading from Maharashtra’s Shivadi constituency, as per early trends from the Election Commission of India. A two-time MLA, Choudhari is vying for a third consecutive term, building on his strong track record and focus on key local issues, especially housing.

Known for his commitment to resolving Shivadi’s longstanding housing concerns, Choudhari played a pivotal role in the 2017 redevelopment policy for cessed properties under MHADA. Under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray in 2020, this policy became part of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), targeting the revitalization of old buildings. Choudhari’s emphasis on these reforms has resonated with voters, cementing his position as a champion for the constituency’s development.

Choudhari’s primary rival, Bala Nandgaonkar of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), is a seasoned politician who previously served as an MLA from both Shivadi and Usroli (Murud Janjira). Nandgaonkar’s shift from Shiv Sena to MNS has sparked significant political debate, but early results suggest that Choudhari’s consistent work may secure his re-election.

The Shivadi constituency, part of the Mumbai South Lok Sabha area, has witnessed intense political competition, with voters weighing infrastructure improvements and housing policies heavily in their decisions.

Maharashtra’s 2024 Assembly election saw a voter turnout of 66.05%, a notable increase from the 61.1% recorded in 2019. While Mumbai City had the lowest turnout, Gadchiroli recorded one of the highest, showcasing a diverse electoral response across the state.

The contest in Shivadi remains tight, but with Choudhari’s strong local support and policy-driven campaign, he remains a formidable contender for the seat. As the results unfold, all eyes will be on whether he can achieve a historic hat-trick in the Maharashtra Assembly.

What the Candidates Said
Choudhari expressed confidence ahead of the election, stating, “My work for the housing sector speaks for itself. I believe the people of Shivadi will choose progress over promises.” Meanwhile, Nandgaonkar emphasized his long-standing connection with the region, claiming that his experience will guide Shivadi towards greater success.

Shaina NC Trails by 10,398 Votes as Amin Patel Leads in Mumbadevi Constituency in Maharashtra Polls

In the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC is trailing by 10,398 votes in the Mumbadevi constituency, with Congress heavyweight Amin Patel currently in the lead. Patel, aiming for a fourth consecutive term as the Mumbadevi MLA, has a stronghold in the area, having won the seat in the 2009, 2014, and 2019 elections.

Shaina NC, who resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in October 2023 to join Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, is contesting the Mumbadevi seat under the Mahayuti alliance. Despite the current results, Shaina exuded confidence in the alliance’s success in forming the next government in Maharashtra, emphasizing the track record of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar. She told ANI on Thursday, “The Mahayuti government is going to be 100 percent formed. People have seen the progress through infrastructure projects like the bullet train, metro, coastal road, and refinery. This is the politics of performance, and I believe the youth will support us.”

The Mumbadevi seat, which is part of Mumbai’s Lok Sabha constituency, has been a stronghold for Congress since 2009. Congress’s Amin Patel has built a significant voter base here, with the support of the local community and a history of consistent victories. The constituency, which previously saw BJP’s Raj K Purohit representing it from 1990 to 2004, has witnessed a shift towards Congress in the last few terms.

The final voter turnout in the Maharashtra Assembly elections was 66.05%, up from 61.1% in 2019, showing increased voter engagement. Kolhapur and Gadchiroli recorded impressive turnouts of 76.63% and 75.26%, respectively.

Despite Shaina NC’s strong campaign, Patel’s lead in Mumbadevi continues to grow as the election results unfold.

Nana Patole Leads Early Trends in Sakoli Amid Tough Fight with BJP’s Avinash Brahmankar

As per the latest official updates from the Election Commission of India (ECI), Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole is currently leading in the Sakoli constituency in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Patole, aiming for a third term, faces a tough challenge from BJP’s newcomer Avinash Brahmankar.

Patole, a seasoned political figure from Maharashtra, has been a strong advocate for Vidharba’s farming and OBC communities. A member of the Indian National Congress since 1990, Patole first won the Sakoli seat in 2009 as a BJP candidate. He also served as the MP for Bhandara-Gondia from 2014, but his relationship with the BJP soured due to their unfulfilled promises to farmers. In 2017, he led a protest in Akola demanding loan waivers for farmers, which led him to resign from his Lok Sabha seat. He rejoined Congress and reclaimed the Sakoli seat in 2019, defeating his BJP rival by a margin of 6,240 votes.

This year, Patole faces Avinash Brahmankar, a 61-year-old farmer from Sakoli’s Salebardi region. Brahmankar, making his debut in electoral politics, has pitched himself as a candidate deeply connected to the region’s agricultural issues, calling himself the “real son of the soil” in contrast to Patole, whom he accuses of relying on “money power.” Brahmankar has focused on regional concerns such as farm loan waivers, tribal welfare, and employment.

The Sakoli constituency has witnessed alternating victories for BJP and Congress, maintaining a consistent anti-incumbent sentiment. As both candidates are closely tied to the agricultural sector, the election outcome will likely hinge on which party can better address the pressing issues facing the predominantly rural population.

Maharashtra’s election results, set for November 23, will determine whether Patole can secure a third term or if Brahmankar’s fresh approach resonates with the voters.