With the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections nearing their conclusion, the political landscape is buzzing with the predictions of various exit polls. The latest results show a strong lead for the BJP-led alliance in both states, but there are conflicting opinions that suggest a closely contested battle.
Maharashtra: BJP Alliance in the Lead
After a high-octane campaign season in Maharashtra, exit polls indicate a favorable outcome for the ruling BJP alliance. Chanakya Strategies has given the BJP-led alliance a significant win, projecting it to secure between 152-160 seats. In contrast, the opposition alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) is predicted to win between 130-138 seats, falling short of the majority.
Other exit polls, however, suggest a more complex result. P-Marq has projected a narrow victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, predicting 137-157 seats for them, with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) garnering 126-146 seats. On the other hand, Lokshahi Marathi-Rudra has predicted a hung assembly, with both the ruling and opposition alliances receiving almost equal seat shares, between 128-142 seats for NDA and 125-140 seats for MVA.
The final result will be keenly awaited on November 23, when the votes are counted.
Jharkhand: A Tight Race with the INDIA Bloc on Top
In Jharkhand, the second phase of elections took place on November 20, following the first phase held on November 13. While several exit polls predict a strong performance for the ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc, there are contrasting views on the extent of their victory.
Axis My India forecasts a clear win for the INDIA bloc, predicting they will secure 53 seats, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) lagging behind with just 25 seats. However, other exit polls suggest a much tighter contest. Times Now-JVS has projected a tight race, with the NDA and INDIA bloc expected to secure between 30-40 seats each, keeping the state’s future uncertain.
Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has expressed confidence in his party’s success, noting that the second phase of voting will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the state. “This will be an important phase in the creation of a golden Jharkhand,” he stated.
As exit polls continue to roll in, one thing is certain: November 23 will be a decisive day for both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, and the political parties are bracing for what could be a dramatic and unpredictable outcome.
Health Warning: Exit Polls Are Not Always Accurate
While exit polls offer intriguing insights into voter sentiment, it’s important to remember that these predictions are not always reliable. The true results can often vary, and voters will have to wait for the official counting on November 23 to know for sure which way the wind is blowing in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand.