With the counting of votes for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections set to begin shortly, officials at polling stations are fully prepared. The results of the high-stakes electoral battle in Maharashtra will start to unfold today, with both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) confident of victory.
In addition to these two states, votes will also be counted for bypolls held in 48 assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states. The counting process begins at 8 AM, with initial trends expected to emerge within two hours.
To ensure security, arrangements have been tightened at counting centres in Maharashtra, including those at Kalina and Dharavi.
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, faces a tough challenge from the MVA, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP). Polling for Maharashtra’s 288-member Legislative Assembly took place on Wednesday, recording a voter turnout of 66.05%, an increase from the nearly 61% turnout in the 2019 elections. Leaders from both camps view the higher turnout as a sign of increased support for their respective alliances.
Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer, S. Chockalingam, praised efforts to boost voter participation, noting significant improvements in the voter list and election arrangements. “The Election Commission of India focused intently on Maharashtra this time, executing strategies with precision. This led to a notable increase in voter turnout compared to previous elections,” he stated.
He also highlighted the improved voting experience in areas like Mumbai, where challenges faced during past elections were successfully addressed. “This time, the arrangements received widespread praise, thanks to the tireless efforts of nearly six lakh officers and employees who ensured a seamless voting process,” Chockalingam added.
The results are expected to reveal whether the Mahayuti or the MVA will take charge in Maharashtra, with both alliances banking on the increased voter turnout as a positive indicator for their campaigns.