The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is set to retain power in Maharashtra with a commanding lead in the Assembly election results declared on Saturday, November 23. According to the latest figures provided by the Election Commission, the alliance is leading in 228 out of 288 Assembly seats as counting nears completion.
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The BJP is leading in 123 seats while its allies Shiv Sena and NCP are leading in 55 and 38 constituencies. In contrast, the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has been limited to just 56 seats.
As per reports, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, addressed the media following the alliance’s resounding win. “I thank all the workers of Mahayuti. PM Modi, Amit Shah bhai, Nadda ji — all supported us,” said Shinde. “They gave priority to Maharashtra. I am proud that I have been proven right about what I had said that we will win 200 seats. We (Mahayuti) fought like a team."
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis credited the alliance’s success to its grassroots efforts and dismissed any speculation about discord over the chief ministerial post. “The opposition's efforts of propagating a false narrative, and polarisation of voters based on religion was foiled by the masses,” he said. “I succeeded in breaking the 'chakravyuh' of the opposition due to the support of voters, our team, and party leaders.”
Ajit Pawar also highlighted the alliance’s efforts in implementing welfare schemes and thanked voters for their trust. “Our responsibility has increased with the mandate. The central government is with us. Mahayuti is ahead in all six divisions of Maharashtra,” he declared.
However, as the results became clearer, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged discrepancies in the election process. “They have done some 'gadbad,' they have stolen some of our seats,” he said. “Is it possible that Shinde gets 60 seats, Ajit Pawar gets 40 seats, and BJP gets 125 seats? The people of this state are not dishonest.”
Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate admitted that the party’s performance in Maharashtra fell short of expectations. “Maharashtra election results are opposite to our expectations. There is no doubt that we could have done better,” she said, while expressing optimism about the victory of the Congress party in Jharkhand.
