The countdown has begun as the counting of votes for the pivotal assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand kicks off today at 8 AM. This momentous day also marks the tallying of votes for by-elections in 15 assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand. In Maharashtra, a fierce political battle is underway, with 288 seats at stake. The Mahayuti alliance—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—is pitted against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Indian National Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. The BJP is contesting 149 seats, while the Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP are fielding candidates in 81 and 59 seats, respectively. According to exit polls, the Mahayuti alliance appears to have a significant lead, with key candidates such as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the stakes are equally high with 81 seats on the line. The incumbent JMM-led INDIA bloc is striving to retain power against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is contesting 68 seats. The JMM is running in 41 seats with the backing of Congress (30), RJD (6), and CPI(ML) (4). Some exit polls indicate a potential advantage for the NDA, while others suggest the possibility of a hung assembly. Chief Minister Hemant Soren is among the key figures to watch in this closely contested race. In addition to the assembly elections, vote counting will also take place for by-elections in 15 assembly seats spanning Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand. As the results unfold today, both the ruling and opposing alliances are eager to see if they can secure the necessary seats to form the next government in their respective states.
