Sat Nov 23 17:07:40 UTC 2024: ## Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Assembly Elections in Landslide Victory

**Mumbai, November 24, 2024** – In a stunning electoral victory unseen in Maharashtra since the 1980s, the Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide win in the state assembly elections, capturing 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (56) and the NCP (41).

The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, is expected to form the government within the next three days. Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh is expected to arrive in Mumbai on Sunday to oversee the process.

The opposition Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) coalition suffered a crushing defeat, winning only 46 seats. This resounding loss leaves the MVA without a Leader of Opposition, as none of its constituent parties – Shiv Sena (20 seats), Congress (16), and NCP (10) – secured the required 10% of total seats.

Several prominent Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, were defeated. However, NCP chief Ajit Pawar secured a decisive victory in Baramati, defeating his nephew.

Mahayuti leaders attributed their success to various factors, including the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, outreach to smaller communities, internal coordination, and a higher women voter turnout. The BJP’s impressive 89% strike rate (winning 132 out of 148 contested seats) is unprecedented in recent Maharashtra history.

The results are seen as a clear indication of public support for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP following their split from their respective parent parties. The MVA has questioned the results, with leaders calling them “unbelievable.” While some high-profile MVA candidates lost, Congress state president Nana Patole narrowly won his seat, and Aaditya Thackeray retained his Worli constituency. The narrowest victory was recorded by the lone AIMIM candidate, who won by just 162 votes. The outgoing Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, will likely play a key role in deciding the next Chief Minister, although BJP sources have indicated a strong desire for the position within their party.

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