Mon Nov 25 22:55:42 UTC 2024: ## Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Assembly Elections, CM Decision Pending

**Mumbai, November 23, 2024** – The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, achieved a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, securing 235 out of 288 seats. The BJP alone won 131 seats, while the Shinde Sena won 57 and the Pawar NCP secured 41. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), won only 49 seats.

While the Mahayuti’s victory is undeniable, the question of who will lead the next government remains unanswered. Both Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. Fadnavis stated that a decision will be made after consultations with all MLAs. Shinde’s faction has openly campaigned for his continuation as CM, highlighting his popularity as a key factor in the alliance’s success. Several Shiv Sena MLAs have publicly expressed their support for Shinde’s continued leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Mahayuti leaders, attributing the Congress’s defeat to their “divisive politics.” Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disappointment and vowed to analyze the reasons behind the loss.

The election saw a 66.05% voter turnout, with allegations of EVM manipulation surfacing from the MVA, prompting calls for re-elections using paper ballots. These allegations have been denied by the BJP. The MVA also expressed concern about the alleged meeting between IPS officer Rashmi Shukla and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the model code of conduct period.

Several other developments emerged in the aftermath of the election, including the selection of new legislative leaders for various parties and internal power dynamics within the winning and losing alliances. The formation of the new Maharashtra government is eagerly awaited as negotiations continue among the Mahayuti partners.

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