NDA sweeps Maharashtra with BJP dominance.
The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced an uphill battle in the 2024 elections against the dominant BJP-led NDA alliance. Expectations were low for the MVA, with only one out of 11 exit polls analyzed by NDTV predicting a potential win for the opposition coalition. The BJP, buoyed by strong voter support and its alliance partners, seemed poised for a landslide victory. The MVA’s slim chances highlighted the challenges of countering the well-organized and resourceful ruling alliance. As results unfold, attention remains on whether the MVA can achieve any significant gains or if the NDA will continue its dominance.
Maharashtra Assembly Election Results 2024: BJP-Led Mahayuti Poised for Historic Victory
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance is set for a record-breaking win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with no coalition in the state’s history ever crossing the 200-seat threshold. As of 1 pm, the ruling alliance was leading in 223 of the 288 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition trailed significantly, ahead in only 56 constituencies. Non-aligned parties were leading in nine seats.
BJP Takes Commanding Lead Within Mahayuti
Within this alliance, the BJP has emerged as the dominant force, leading in 125 of the 149 seats it contested. The Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena is ahead in 55 of the 81 seats it contested, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction is leading in 38 of its 59 constituencies.
MVA Struggles to Maintain Foothold
The MVA coalition, consisting of the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, is facing a major setback. The Congress is leading in just 20 of the 101 seats it contested, Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction in 19 of its 86 seats, and the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in 13 of its 95 constituencies.
This stark disparity underscores the challenges faced by the opposition in countering the combined might of the ruling alliance, which has been buoyed by strong voter support and an effective campaign strategy.
Key Battles and Prominent Leaders
Several high-profile contests have captured public attention during this election:
- Eknath Shinde vs. Kedar Dighe: Outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, representing the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat in Thane, is up against Kedar Dighe of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction. Shinde, a protégé of the late Anand Dighe, is leading by over 55,000 votes.
- Ajit Pawar vs. Yugendra Pawar: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is engaged in a Pawar vs. Pawar battle against his uncle Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew Yugendra Pawar in Baramati, the Pawar family’s traditional stronghold. Ajit Pawar has a commanding lead of over 50,000 votes.
- Aaditya Thackeray vs. Milind Deora: Aaditya Thackeray, son of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, faces former Congress stalwart Milind Deora, now a member of the Shinde faction. The two are vying for the Worli seat, with Aaditya Thackeray leading by a narrow margin of 1,700 votes.
Zeeshan Siddiqui and the Shadow of Violence
Siddiqui is the son of the late Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui, who was tragically assassinated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang last month. His candidacy has drawn significant attention, given the circumstances surrounding his father’s death.
Historic Context and Broader Implications
The Mahayuti’s unprecedented lead represents a major milestone in Maharashtra’s political history. If the alliance succeeds in crossing the 200-seat mark, it will set a new record for electoral dominance in the state. The BJP’s commanding performance also cements its status as the leading political force in Maharashtra, building on its consistent successes in recent years.
On the other hand, the MVA’s disappointing performance raises questions about its ability to consolidate its voter base and counter the BJP-led alliance’s momentum. The results underscore the challenges faced by the Congress, NCP, and Thackeray’s Sena in mounting a cohesive opposition front.
Takeaways and Next Steps
As counting progresses, the Mahayuti’s resounding success highlights several key factors:
- Strong Alliance Cohesion: The BJP, Shinde Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction demonstrated effective coordination, leveraging their combined strengths to appeal to a broad voter base.
- Leadership and Strategy: The BJP’s organizational strength, combined with the leadership of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, played a pivotal role in mobilizing support across the state.
- MVA’s Fragmentation: Internal divisions and lack of a unified campaign strategy hampered the MVA’s ability to challenge the ruling alliance effectively.
With the Mahayuti on track for a historic win, Maharashtra’s political landscape is poised for a significant shift, setting the stage for governance priorities and coalition dynamics in the coming years.