New Delhi: According to the latest exit poll conducted by Matrize, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is projected to achieve a decisive victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections. The alliance, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP group, is forecasted to win between 150 and 170 seats in the 288-member assembly.
Voting for the Maharashtra assembly elections concluded on Wednesday evening, with a reported voter turnout of over 58% by 5pm. Elections were conducted in a single phase across all 288 constituencies, marking a significant political contest in the state.
This year’s election pits the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) bloc, which includes the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction.
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Within the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP is contesting the largest share of seats, fielding candidates in 148 constituencies. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has nominated candidates for 80 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction is contesting 53. In the MVA alliance, the Congress has fielded candidates in 103 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting 89, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction is vying for 87. Despite the alliances, some constituencies are expected to witness friendly contests among allied parties.
The electoral field includes 4,136 candidates, with independents making up nearly half at 2,086. Smaller parties, such as the BSP, contesting 237 seats, and AIMIM, competing in 17 constituencies, could play a crucial role in determining the final outcome through vote splits.
For the Congress, the elections are a litmus test for its INDIA bloc alliance, especially after its recent loss in Haryana. Although the party performed strongly in the Lok Sabha elections by securing 99 seats, it was eventually defeated by the BJP, which overcame a decade of incumbency. This election also holds significance for MVA partners Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, both of which experienced splits within their ranks following defections led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
