Tue Oct 15 21:03:39 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly Elections Scheduled for November 2024

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Maharashtra will go to polls on **November 20, 2024**, while Jharkhand will see elections in two phases – **November 13 and 20, 2024**. The results for both states will be declared on **November 23, 2024**.

**Maharashtra:**

The BJP hopes to retain power in Maharashtra, where it is in alliance with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and Congress, is aiming for a comeback, having won 30 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state earlier this year.

The ECI has set up 1,86,000 polling stations in Maharashtra, with around 9.6 crore eligible voters.

**Jharkhand:**

The BJP is seeking to make gains in Jharkhand, where the INDIA bloc currently holds a majority in the Assembly. The elections will be held in two phases, covering 43 constituencies in the first phase and 38 in the second.

The ECI has set up over 29,000 polling stations in Jharkhand, with 2.6 crore eligible voters.

**By-elections also announced:**

The ECI also announced by-elections for 47 Assembly seats and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, which will be held on November 13, 2024.

**Concerns raised about Exit Polls:**

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar expressed concerns about the distortion created by exit polls and the expectations they set, calling for introspection by pollsters.

**Focus on Fair Elections:**

The ECI has reiterated its commitment to fair elections, highlighting its efforts to curb muscle power, money power, misinformation, and MCC violations.

**Preparations underway:**

Political parties in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand have begun their election campaigns, with the Congress appointing observers and senior coordinators for the upcoming polls. The BJP is confident of a victory in both states.

**Key takeaways:**

* Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held in November 2024.
* BJP aims to retain power in Maharashtra and make gains in Jharkhand.
* The ECI has announced by-elections for 47 Assembly seats and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.
* Concerns have been raised about exit polls and their impact on public expectations.
* The ECI is committed to ensuring fair and transparent elections.

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