Wed Nov 20 23:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Exit Polls Predict Mahayuti Victory in Maharashtra, NDA Win in Jharkhand
**Mumbai, November 21, 2024** – Exit polls released this morning suggest a resounding victory for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra and the NDA in Jharkhand in the recently concluded Assembly elections. Voting concluded peacefully in both states earlier this week, with voter turnout in Maharashtra reaching 58.22% and Jharkhand at 67.59%. Official results will be announced on Saturday.
Most exit polls predict that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), will secure a majority in the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly. While some polls hint at a hung assembly, the majority forecast a clear win for Mahayuti, leaving the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition in a weakened position.
In Jharkhand’s 81-seat assembly, exit polls overwhelmingly favor the NDA alliance over the incumbent Hemant Soren government. The NDA comprises BJP, AJSU, JD(U), and LJP.
While several survey organizations have projected the BJP to win the most seats in Maharashtra, the predictions vary widely in terms of the exact number. The accuracy of these polls remains to be seen, given inconsistencies in past predictions. For example, while some polls closely mirrored the 2019 results, others significantly underestimated or overestimated the seat share of different alliances.
The high-stakes Maharashtra elections were marked by a significant realignment of regional parties, with factions of Shiv Sena and NCP allying with either the BJP or the Congress, respectively. The Mahayuti government’s “Ladli Behna Yojana” aimed at female voters, and the BJP’s campaign slogan “Bateinge toh Kateinge, Ek Raheinge toh Nek Raheinge” (We’ll fall apart if we separate, we’ll be safe if we stay together) are cited by some polling agencies as contributing factors to their predicted success.
The contrasting predictions highlight the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome, with the official results expected to bring clarity on Saturday. The elections held significant national importance, given Maharashtra’s status as a key state and its economic significance.
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