Mumbai, 19 November 2024: Campaigning for Maharashtra’s Assembly elections ended Monday, setting the stage for polling across 288 constituencies on November 20, with results to be declared on November 23. The contest pits the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), with both sides vying for control of the state legislature.
Prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several Union ministers, crisscrossed the state during the high-stakes campaign.
The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), focused on schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin to woo women voters. However, the alliance faced criticism for slogans like “Batenge toh katenge” and “Ek hai toh safe hai,” which opposition leaders accused of promoting religious polarization. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Modi’s rhetoric on these slogans drew sharp responses from the MVA.
Even within the Mahayuti, cracks appeared over the messaging. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar distanced himself from the slogans, while Devendra Fadnavis tried to provide explanations, creating confusion within the alliance.
The MVA coalition—comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP—countered by focusing on social justice, a caste-based census, and constitutional values. Its leaders targeted the government for neglecting marginalized communities and the economically disadvantaged.
As the campaign concluded, the BJP launched an ad blitz attacking the MVA and urging voters to reject the Congress. The ads referenced past events like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the Palghar lynching incident.
The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP 59. On the opposition side, the Congress is fielding 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 86. Smaller parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and AIMIM, are also in the fray, with BSP contesting 237 seats and AIMIM 17.
A notable feature of this election is the rise in candidates and voters. This year, 4,136 candidates, including 2,086 independents, are contesting, a 28% increase from 2019’s 3,239 candidates. Rebel candidates from both Mahayuti and MVA alliances are contesting in over 150 constituencies, challenging official nominees.
The electorate has grown to 9.63 crore, up from 8.94 crore in 2019, with 69.23 lakh new voters added. Among them, 20.93 lakh are first-time voters aged 18-19. The state also has 6.36 lakh voters with disabilities, 1.16 lakh from the armed forces, and 47,716 centenarians.
Polling arrangements include 1,00,186 booths, up from 96,654 in 2019, reflecting the rise in voter numbers. An election official noted the increased participation follows special enrolment drives targeting young and first-time voters.
Approximately six lakh state government employees have been mobilized for election duties to ensure smooth conduct.
