Thu Nov 21 16:23:44 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Exit Polls Predict Close Race, Mahayuti With Slight Edge

**Mumbai, India –** Exit polls suggest a tight race for the Maharashtra Assembly election, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance holding a narrow advantage over the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). C-Voter’s survey projects Mahayuti securing 112 seats, compared to MVA’s 104, leaving 61 seats too close to call. The halfway mark for a majority is 145 seats.

While C-Voter gives Mahayuti a slight lead, other exit polls paint a varied picture. Three predict a Mahayuti victory, projecting seat counts ranging from 150 to 170 for Mahayuti and 110 to 138 for MVA. One poll forecasts a dead heat. However, experts caution against placing too much weight on exit polls, citing their inaccuracy in past elections.

Regionally, Mahayuti appears stronger in Mumbai and Konkan, while MVA enjoys projected leads in Vidarbha and West Maharashtra. Marathwada and North Maharashtra show a close contest. The surveys also project a near-even split in vote share, with Mahayuti at 41% and MVA at 40%.

This election marks a significant political battleground, featuring a contest between the Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray factions of the Shiv Sena, and rival NCP factions led by Sharad and Ajit Pawar. The outcome will be a key indicator of the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies and the NDA’s strength ahead of future elections. The official results will be announced on November 23rd.

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