Sat Nov 23 07:36:57 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra & Jharkhand Assembly Election Results: BJP Sweeps Maharashtra, Jharkhand Remains Uncertain

**New Delhi, Nov 23:** The Maharashtra Assembly election results are painting a picture of a landslide victory for the BJP-led alliance, while Jharkhand’s results remain intensely unpredictable.

Early trends show the BJP surpassing 100 seats in Maharashtra, defying anti-incumbency and securing a strong mandate. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has accused the BJP of rigging the results, alleging that the BJP benefited from industrialist Gautam Adani’s support and claiming that the outcome doesn’t reflect the will of the people.

Key Maharashtra races include the battle between Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) and Milind Narvekar (Shinde Sena) in Worli, and the family feud between Ajit Pawar (NCP) and his nephew, Yugendr Pawar, in Baramati. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis faces a tough challenge from Congress candidate, Praful Gudhe, in his Nagpur South West constituency.

In 2019, the BJP won 105 seats and formed a government with Shiv Sena. However, the alliance broke down, leading to the current political scenario. Exit polls predicted a BJP-led alliance victory with around 158 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 145.

Jharkhand, which witnessed a record 67.74% voter turnout across two phases, presents a closer contest. The JMM-led ruling alliance is striving for a second term, facing a strong challenge from the BJP-led NDA which is leveraging anti-incumbency and allegations of corruption. The campaign was high-octane, with the BJP highlighting corruption and appeasement politics, while the JMM countered with welfare promises and criticisms of central agencies’ misuse. Key constituencies to watch include Berhait, where CM Hemant Soren is contesting, and Gande where his wife is running.

While some exit polls predicted a BJP-led NDA government in Jharkhand with 34 seats, the actual outcome remains uncertain with a tight race between the INDIA alliance and NDA. The final results will offer a clearer picture of the political landscape in both states.

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