Wed Nov 20 23:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Exit Polls Predict Close Race in Maharashtra, BJP Ahead in Jharkhand

**Mumbai/Ranchi:** Exit polls released following the conclusion of Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand paint a mixed picture. While several surveys predict a close contest in Maharashtra between the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition and the BJP-led alliance, others suggest a clear victory for the latter.

In Maharashtra, People’s Pulse, Chanakya, Matrix, and News18 polls project a comfortable majority for the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP ‘Maha Yuti’ alliance. However, Lok Shahi Marathi and Dainik Bhaskar polls suggest a lean towards the MVA. Maharashtra has 288 assembly seats, with 145 needed for a majority. The BJP contested 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and NCP 59 within the Maha Yuti. The MVA comprised Congress (101 seats), Shiv Sena (Uddhav) (95 seats), and NCP (SP) (86 seats), along with BSP (237) and AIMIM (17).

In Jharkhand, multiple exit polls indicate a likely victory for the BJP. The state has 81 seats, with 41 needed for a majority. The BJP contested 68 seats, while the opposition alliance, including JMM (43 seats), Congress (30 seats), RJD (6 seats), and CPI(ML) (4 seats), faced off against them.

The actual results will be declared later, and the exit poll predictions remain subject to change.

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