Wed Nov 20 11:14:14 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra & Jharkhand Assembly Elections: High Turnout, Uncertain Outcomes

**Mumbai/Ranchi, [Date]:** Maharashtra and Jharkhand witnessed significant voter turnout in their ongoing assembly elections. By 3 pm, Maharashtra recorded a 45.5% turnout, while Jharkhand reached 61.5%. Exit polls are expected later today.

In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuthi alliance – comprising Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP – is vying for victory against the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, and the Congress. This election is seen as a crucial test for the Mahayuthi, following their setback in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The alliance is highlighting welfare schemes, particularly the Ladli Behen Scheme, while the BJP draws confidence from its recent Haryana victory.

The MVA, meanwhile, is focusing on issues like quotas, caste census, agrarian concerns, and welfare schemes. However, sources suggest local issues may ultimately determine the outcome. Uncertainty also surrounds the chief ministerial post in both alliances. In the Mahayuthi, a power struggle is anticipated between Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, with the latter receiving strong backing from BJP strategist Amit Shah. Within the MVA, Uddhav Thackeray’s claim to the top post faces potential challenges from the Congress, whose strong Lok Sabha performance gives them leverage.

In Jharkhand, the second phase of voting will determine the fate of key figures including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and Leader of the Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri. The final results for both states are keenly awaited.

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