Fri Nov 22 18:37:34 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra and Jharkhand Election Results Awaited; CM Battles Loom in Maharashtra**

MUMBAI/RANCHI, India – The results of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections are scheduled for November 23rd, sparking intense political maneuvering in both states. Exit polls predict a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra and the BJP-led NDA in Jharkhand, but the actual outcome remains uncertain.

In Maharashtra, the race is between the ruling Mahayuati alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)) and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction)). Pre-result speculation centers on the potential role of Raj Thackeray’s MNS party and the intense competition for the Chief Minister’s position within both alliances. Meetings are underway, and both sides are taking precautions, with the MVA reportedly making arrangements for their legislators to stay in hotels outside of Maharashtra to prevent potential defections in case of a close result. BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that party workers desire Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister, while supporters of Eknath Shinde want him to retain the post.

In Jharkhand, while exit polls offer differing predictions, the INDIA alliance is confident of victory, as stated by RJD senior leader Manoj Jha. The state’s 81-member assembly requires 41 seats for a majority.

Vote counting begins at 8 AM on November 23rd, with by-election results also expected. The coming days will reveal the true picture of the electoral outcomes and the political landscapes of both states.

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