The counting of votes for the Maharashtra Assembly elections began at 8 am on Saturday, November 23, setting the stage for a high-stakes political face-off between the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. This election marks a defining moment in Maharashtra’s political history, being the first major electoral battle after the factional splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP.
With 145 seats required for a majority in the 288-member assembly, the contest has drawn intense attention. Exit polls have largely projected a win for the Mahayuti alliance, but some suggest the possibility of a hung assembly if neither coalition secures a clear majority, leaving room for political maneuvering in the days ahead.
Record-Breaking Voter Turnout
This year, voter turnout reached 66.05%, a notable increase from the 61.1% recorded in 2019, reflecting heightened public interest in the election. Kolhapur led the way with the highest turnout at 76.63%, followed closely by Gadchiroli at 75.26%. On the other hand, urban areas like Mumbai island city reported the lowest turnout at 52.07%, with Mumbai suburban slightly better at 55.95%.
Key Players and Alliances
The election features a crowded and competitive field, with major alliances and independent players contesting for control:
Mahayuti Alliance
The Mahayuti coalition brings together three major political entities: the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
BJP: The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded candidates in 149 constituencies, leveraging its extensive organizational network and strong voter base to secure dominance.
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction): With candidates in 81 seats, the faction led by Eknath Shinde is focusing on consolidating its hold among traditional Sena supporters post-split.
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): Contesting 59 seats, this group is aiming to strengthen its foothold in specific regions while benefiting from the alliance’s shared voter appeal.
MVA Alliance
The Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
Congress: Contesting 101 seats, Congress is aiming for a resurgence in Maharashtra by focusing on its traditional rural and minority voter base.
Shiv Sena (UBT): Uddhav Thackeray’s faction has fielded candidates in 95 constituencies, working to re-establish its identity and challenge the rival Shinde faction.
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction): With candidates in 86 seats, this faction is emphasizing its legacy leadership and regional influence to retain its voter base.
This election serves as a critical test for both alliances, reshaped by the recent splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP, as they vie for control of the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly.
Other Contestants: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) contested an ambitious 237 seats, while the AIMIM fielded candidates in 17 constituencies, hoping to make their presence felt in key areas.
 Stakes Beyond Maharashtra
The outcome of this election will likely have ripple effects beyond Maharashtra, influencing the national political landscape ahead of the general elections. Both alliances are vying not just for a numerical majority but also for an opportunity to showcase their political strength and consolidate their voter base.
The Mahayuti coalition, riding on the BJP’s organizational machinery and its allies, hopes to solidify its position, while the MVA alliance seeks to counter this momentum by presenting a united front, despite internal divisions.
As results unfold, the political dynamics in Maharashtra are poised for a potential transformation, with implications for regional alliances and the broader narrative of Indian politics. This closely watched election promises to set the tone for future battles on the national stage.
