The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is on course for a decisive victory in Maharashtra, securing an overwhelming lead over the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), while the opposition INDIA bloc appears set to claim a win in Jharkhand. According to trends from the Election Commission, the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition in Maharashtra is leading in 218 of the 288 assembly seats, signalling a significant mandate in favour of the ruling alliance. In contrast, the MVA—comprising the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (UBT)—is ahead in just 50 seats.
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand’s 81-member assembly, the Hemant Soren-led opposition alliance is leading, with the JMM ahead in 30 seats, the Congress in 13, the RJD in five, and the CPI-ML in one. The BJP trails significantly with 26 leads. Hemant Soren looks set to return as chief minister, with Congress leader Rajesh Thakur expressing confidence in forming the government with a two-thirds majority.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh claimed that the BJP’s success reflects the public’s rejection of communal politics allegedly promoted by the INDIA bloc. The results mark a boost for the BJP, following its recent electoral victories, including a historic third consecutive win in Haryana. These victories come despite setbacks in the general elections, where the BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats.
In Maharashtra, the BJP leads in 125 seats, nearing the halfway mark of 144 on its own, while the Shiv Sena and NCP hold leads in 56 and 35 seats, respectively. Key leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, are leading in their constituencies. However, Congress’s performance has been disappointing, with its leaders Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat, and former CM Prithviraj Chavan facing challenges in their constituencies.
In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is leading in Barhait, while his wife Kalpana Soren and prominent leaders like Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato and Deepika Pandey Singh are also in contention. BJP state president Babulal Marandi and AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto face stiff competition, indicating a tough battle in this eastern state.
The contrasting results in Maharashtra and Jharkhand underscore regional variations in voter preferences, with the BJP consolidating its hold in western India while the opposition strengthens its position in the east.
