Thu Nov 21 04:43:15 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Exit Polls Predict Tight Race, Mahayuti Favored but Hung Assembly Possible

**Mumbai, November 2, 2024** – Exit polls for the Maharashtra Assembly elections paint a picture of a closely contested race between the ruling Mahayuti coalition and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). While most polls predict a Mahayuti victory, significant variations in seat projections highlight the uncertainty.

The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), is projected to secure anywhere between 125 and 195 seats out of 288, according to various exit polls. The MVA, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), is predicted to win between 69 and 150 seats. Smaller parties could play a kingmaker role, with projections ranging from 2 to 25 seats. Three exit polls even foresee a hung assembly.

The wide range of projections reflects the volatile political landscape, with a shift towards candidate-centric voting and key voter concerns centered around inflation and unemployment. A record voter turnout exceeding 65.1%—the highest since 1995—further complicates predictions.

While most exit polls favor the Mahayuti, differing projections include: Peoples Pulse (Mahayuti 175-195, MVA 85-112), P-Marq (Mahayuti 137-157, MVA 126-146), and Chanakya Strategies (Mahayuti 152-160, MVA 130-138). Other polls show even closer results.

Political analysts attribute the high turnout to intense campaigning by both coalitions. Post-election, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, acknowledging the RSS’s role in the BJP’s campaign.

Reactions to the exit polls are mixed. While Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed confidence in a Mahayuti majority, NCP leader Clyde Crasto cautioned against relying on exit polls, citing previous discrepancies. Peoples Pulse suggests Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the preferred CM candidate if the Mahayuti wins.

The actual results will be announced by the Election Commission of India on November 23rd. The high voter turnout and conflicting exit poll predictions suggest a nail-biting wait until the final outcome is revealed. The magic number to secure a majority in the 288-member assembly is 145.

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