Fri Nov 22 00:19:33 UTC 2024: ## Exit Polls Predict Landslide for Mahayuti in Maharashtra, Tight Race in Jharkhand

**Mumbai/Ranchi, November 21, 2024** – Exit polls released today paint a mixed picture for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly election results, due to be announced on November 23rd. Most polls predict a decisive victory for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, while Jharkhand shows a closer contest.

In Maharashtra, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, is projected to win a comfortable majority by various pollsters. Axis My India predicts 189 seats for Mahayuti, compared to 90 for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Other pollsters like Matrize (150-170 seats for Mahayuti), P-Marq (137-157 seats), and News24-Channakya (152-160 seats) also give Mahayuti a significant lead. The majority mark in the 288-member assembly is 145.

However, reactions from various political leaders are sharply divided. While BJP leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and Ashok Chavan express confidence in Mahayuti’s victory, MVA leaders like Anand Dubey and Clyde Crasto dismiss the polls, citing inaccuracies in previous predictions. Congress leader Tariq Anwar stated the MVA will decide on its Chief Ministerial candidate after the results are declared.

The Jharkhand election presents a closer race. While most exit polls suggest a BJP-led NDA victory, Axis My India is the outlier, forecasting a win for the JMM-led INDIA alliance. The People’s Pulse exit poll gives NDA 42-48 seats and JMM 16-23 seats, indicating a possible NDA win. Matrize, on the other hand, predicts a narrower margin, with NDA at 42-47 seats and INDIA at 25-30 seats.

Despite the varied predictions, election officials have confirmed robust security measures are in place for the counting process in both states. The accuracy of the exit polls, often criticized for their inconsistencies, remains to be seen. The final results will be announced on November 23rd.

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