Sat Nov 23 08:17:05 UTC 2024: ## BJP-led NDA Sweeps Maharashtra Assembly Elections; Mumbai Results Show Tight Contests

**Mumbai, Maharashtra –** The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is projected to win a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with early trends showing them leading in over 220 of the 288 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is trailing significantly. However, Mumbai, traditionally a stronghold for the Shiv Sena, saw intense battles between the two factions of the party – the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) – alongside other key players.

While the NDA’s dominance in the state is clear, the Mumbai results are far more nuanced. Several key constituencies witnessed close contests:

* **Worli:** Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena (UBT)) maintained a lead over Milind Deora (Shiv Sena) throughout the counting process.
* **Bandra East:** Varun Sardesai (Shiv Sena (UBT)) secured a significant victory against incumbent NCP MLA Zeeshan Siddique.
* **Wadala:** BJP candidate Kalidas Kolambkar secured an early and decisive win.
* **Mahim:** A close race ensued between Mahesh Sawant (Shiv Sena (UBT)) and Sada Sarvankar (Shiv Sena), with Amit Thackeray (MNS) trailing.
* **Shivaji Nagar:** A tight contest played out between Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi and NCP’s Nawab Malik, with Azmi emerging victorious.

North Mumbai saw a clean sweep for Mahayuti candidates. Voter turnout in Mumbai and its suburbs ranged from 44.49% (Colaba) to 61.12% (Bhandup West).

The outcome in Mumbai holds particular significance, as the performance of the two Shiv Sena factions in the city could heavily influence their future political trajectories. Speculation regarding the next Chief Minister is already rife, with BJP spokesperson Pravin Darekar suggesting Devendra Fadnavis’s return, countered by Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatare’s support for Eknath Shinde’s continuation.

The high-stakes election saw intense campaigning focusing on development, Hindutva, and welfare schemes from the NDA, while the MVA highlighted issues like the Dharavi redevelopment project and alleged corruption. Smaller parties, including the MNS, also played a role, influencing the results in several close contests. The final results are expected to solidify the political landscape of Maharashtra for the next five years.

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