On November 20, voters in Maharashtra and Jharkhand will head to the polls for pivotal assembly elections. While Maharashtra will witness a single-phase election for all 288 constituencies, Jharkhand will complete the second phase of its assembly elections, covering 38 constituencies. These elections are critical, with major political alliances vying for power in both states.
Maharashtra: Stakes Are High
Maharashtra's political landscape has seen significant shifts since the last assembly elections. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar's NCP—is aiming to retain power. On the other side is the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction.
With a massive voter base of 9.6 crore, including 20.9 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19, the state has witnessed an intense election campaign. The BJP-led alliance has leaned on schemes like "Majhi Ladki Bahin" to attract women voters, while opposition parties have focused on social justice and caste-based censuses to sway the electorate.
Key candidates include:
Campaign slogans have sparked controversy. The BJP's slogans, such as "Batenge toh katenge" and "Ek hai toh safe hai", have drawn criticism, with opposition parties accusing the Mahayuti of attempting to polarise votes. Meanwhile, BJP advertisements targeted past incidents, including the Palghar lynching and the 26/11 terror attacks, urging voters to “Say No to Congress.”
Jharkhand: Two-Phase Elections
In Jharkhand, voting is being conducted in two phases. The first phase on November 13 covered 43 constituencies, with the second phase scheduled for November 20. The Congress-JMM-RJD coalition, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is up against the BJP.
Key candidates in the second phase include:
The first phase of polling saw a turnout of 66.65%, surpassing the 2019 turnout of 63.9%. Notably, women voters showed higher participation at 69.04%, compared to 64.27% for men.
Exit Polls: When and Where to watch
Polling in Maharashtra will take place between 7 am and 6 pm, with strict adherence to the Election Commission of India's guidelines. Exit poll predictions for both states will be available after voting concludes at 6:30 pm. The final vote counting is scheduled for November 23.
In Maharashtra, authorities have addressed over 600 complaints of poll violations through the C-Vigil app. Significant contraband, including 39,385 litres of alcohol worth ₹1.1 crore and drugs valued at ₹44.79 crore, was confiscated.
Shifting Alliances and Political Rivalries
Maharashtra's elections are set against a backdrop of shifting alliances. The Shiv Sena split into Uddhav Thackeray's and Eknath Shinde's factions, while the NCP faced its own divisions with Ajit Pawar breaking away to join the BJP-led coalition. The MVA alliance, which had briefly ruled Maharashtra, now aims to reclaim power, citing governance and social equity as its priorities.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand's elections come with the challenge of balancing alliances and addressing local issues. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, backed by the Congress-JMM coalition, has campaigned on promises of development and rights for tribal communities.
With both Maharashtra and Jharkhand at political crossroads, the assembly elections are poised to shape the political future of these states. As voters make their voices heard, all eyes will be on the results, expected to be announced on November 23.
Maharashtra: Stakes Are High
Maharashtra's political landscape has seen significant shifts since the last assembly elections. The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar's NCP—is aiming to retain power. On the other side is the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction.
With a massive voter base of 9.6 crore, including 20.9 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19, the state has witnessed an intense election campaign. The BJP-led alliance has leaned on schemes like "Majhi Ladki Bahin" to attract women voters, while opposition parties have focused on social justice and caste-based censuses to sway the electorate.
Key candidates include:
- Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) contesting from Kopri-Pachpakhadi.
- Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) running from Nagpur South-West.
- Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) from Worli.
- Ajit Pawar (NCP) representing Baramati.
Campaign slogans have sparked controversy. The BJP's slogans, such as "Batenge toh katenge" and "Ek hai toh safe hai", have drawn criticism, with opposition parties accusing the Mahayuti of attempting to polarise votes. Meanwhile, BJP advertisements targeted past incidents, including the Palghar lynching and the 26/11 terror attacks, urging voters to “Say No to Congress.”
Jharkhand: Two-Phase Elections
In Jharkhand, voting is being conducted in two phases. The first phase on November 13 covered 43 constituencies, with the second phase scheduled for November 20. The Congress-JMM-RJD coalition, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is up against the BJP.
Key candidates in the second phase include:
- Hemant Soren (JMM), contesting from Barhait.
- Babulal Marandi (BJP) from Dhanwar.
- Deepika Pandey (INC) from Mahagama.
The first phase of polling saw a turnout of 66.65%, surpassing the 2019 turnout of 63.9%. Notably, women voters showed higher participation at 69.04%, compared to 64.27% for men.
Exit Polls: When and Where to watch
Polling in Maharashtra will take place between 7 am and 6 pm, with strict adherence to the Election Commission of India's guidelines. Exit poll predictions for both states will be available after voting concludes at 6:30 pm. The final vote counting is scheduled for November 23.
In Maharashtra, authorities have addressed over 600 complaints of poll violations through the C-Vigil app. Significant contraband, including 39,385 litres of alcohol worth ₹1.1 crore and drugs valued at ₹44.79 crore, was confiscated.
Shifting Alliances and Political Rivalries
Maharashtra's elections are set against a backdrop of shifting alliances. The Shiv Sena split into Uddhav Thackeray's and Eknath Shinde's factions, while the NCP faced its own divisions with Ajit Pawar breaking away to join the BJP-led coalition. The MVA alliance, which had briefly ruled Maharashtra, now aims to reclaim power, citing governance and social equity as its priorities.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand's elections come with the challenge of balancing alliances and addressing local issues. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, backed by the Congress-JMM coalition, has campaigned on promises of development and rights for tribal communities.
With both Maharashtra and Jharkhand at political crossroads, the assembly elections are poised to shape the political future of these states. As voters make their voices heard, all eyes will be on the results, expected to be announced on November 23.
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