The counting points to a clear shift in both states...
Digital Desk: Reports show that the NDA (the BJP-led Mahayuti) is ahead in Maharashtra, with most exit polls giving the alliance a win. The BJP, Ajit Pawar’s NCP, and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) are poised to win comfortably. The MVA-comprising Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Congress, and Uddhav MVA alliance lags. This is significant for Eknath Shinde, where it is evident that he is a stronger candidate to replace Uddhav Thackeray and Balasaheb’s leadership.
This division also happened last year when Ajit Pawar defected to the NDA and took the Deputy CM slot. So this election is the turn of events for both the Shiv Sena and NCP. Even as far as Jharkhand is concerned, the trends show an unexpected rise for the JMM-led INDIA alliance.
JMM, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, maintains its ground despite the NDA's focus on tribal issues, the government, and its agencies. Tellingly, the presence of popular figures like Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and Sita Soren in the lead positions points out a solid backing for the ruling coalition.
In general, the initial reports suggest that the NDA was successful in Maharashtra, while the JMM-led coalition has managed to retain its grip on Jharkhand. The results will alter the political landscapes of both these states.
