Sat Nov 23 01:53:42 UTC 2024: **Maharashtra and Jharkhand Election Results Today: A Tight Race**

MUMBAI/RANCHI, INDIA – The results of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections are expected today, November 22nd, keeping the nation on edge. The vote count will begin at 8 AM, with initial trends expected by 9 AM. In Maharashtra, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance previously held power, while in Jharkhand, Hemant Soren’s Mahagatbandhan ousted the BJP. A close contest is anticipated in both states.

In Maharashtra, the stakes are particularly high. Political parties have only 72 hours – until November 26th – to form a government, with 145 seats needed in the 288-member assembly. Fears of potential defections among winning MLAs have prompted the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to keep its legislators together. Congress leader Sachin Pilot expressed confidence in an MVA victory, predicting a swift decision on the Chief Minister and other posts.

Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has requested the Election Commission to suspend internet services near counting centers to ensure a fair process. Turnout for the Jharkhand election reached a record 67.74%, the highest since the state’s formation in 2000.

Elsewhere, the results of by-elections in Assam, Gujarat, and Bengal will also be declared today. Further, internal surveys suggest a significant gap between the ruling alliance and opposition in Maharashtra, while in Uttar Pradesh by-elections, there are reports of irregularities. The impact of these results on national politics remains to be seen.

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