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The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The polls are set to be held in November 2024, marking an important moment for both states’ political landscapes. This article delves into the election dates, phases, and political alliances set to contest in the elections, providing an overview of the electoral process for voters in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
Election Dates and Phases: Maharashtra and Jharkhand
The Assembly elections in Maharashtra will be conducted in a single phase on November 20, 2024, while Jharkhand will have elections in two phases on November 13 and 20, 2024. The Election Commission has scheduled the declaration of results for both states on November 23, 2024, making it a key date for political parties and voters alike.
Maharashtra’s Assembly consists of 288 seats, and Jharkhand’s Assembly has 81 seats. These elections are crucial for determining the political power dynamics in two of India’s most significant states.
Poll Notification and Nomination Process
For Maharashtra, the election notification will be issued on October 22, 2024, which marks the opening of the nomination process. Prospective candidates will have until October 29 to submit their nominations. Following this, scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 30, and the deadline for withdrawal of candidatures will be November 4, 2024.
In Jharkhand, the two-phase election will see notifications issued on October 18 and October 22 for the respective phases. The last dates for filing nominations are October 25 for the first phase and October 29 for the second. Scrutiny will occur on October 28 and October 30, while the withdrawal deadlines will be October 30 and November 1 for each phase.
Election Preparations and Voter Data
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar emphasized that preparations are well underway for both elections. The Model Code of Conduct came into effect immediately following the announcement, ensuring that political activities are regulated in line with electoral guidelines. The Election Commission’s decision to hold elections midweek aims to combat what the CEC termed “urban apathy,” encouraging higher voter turnout among city residents.
Maharashtra boasts a total electorate of 9.63 crore voters, comprising 4.77 crore men and 4.66 crore women. In Jharkhand, there are 2.6 crore voters, with 1.31 crore men and 1.29 crore women.
Polling Stations and Locations
To facilitate smooth voting, the Election Commission has set up a comprehensive network of polling stations across both states. In Maharashtra, a total of 1,00,186 polling stations will be established at 25,789 locations. Jharkhand, with a smaller electorate, will have 29,562 polling stations at 20,281 locations. These efforts ensure that voters from even the remotest areas will have easy access to voting facilities.
Political Alliances in Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s political landscape is shaped by two main coalitions. The ruling alliance, known as MahaYuti, comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena, and a faction of the National Congress Party (NCP). This alliance faces a strong challenge from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena-UBT, the Indian National Congress, and the NCP-Sharad Pawar faction.
The contest in Maharashtra is expected to be fierce, with both alliances competing to secure a majority in the state assembly. The MahaYuti government has held power in the state following a controversial political split within the Shiv Sena, leading to the formation of two separate factions.
Political Contest in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, the political contest will be primarily between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), supported by its allies Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Indian National Congress, and the opposition BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA’s Jharkhand unit includes the Janata Dal-United (JDU), the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-R), and the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU).
The JMM has been in power since 2019, and this election will test its ability to retain control in the face of a strong opposition alliance.
Conclusion
The upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand hold significant importance for both states and for the national political scenario. With major political alliances contesting the polls, the results on November 23, 2024, will determine the future political landscape of these states. The Election Commission’s well-structured process, from nominations to polling station arrangements, ensures that voters have ample opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on these crucial battles for political power in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
