Tight Race in Maharashtra: INDIA Alliance Marginally Leading Over BJP

Mumbai: Maharashtra is witnessing a closely contested battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc as votes are being counted for the state’s 48 Lok Sabha seats. The INDIA alliance is currently leading in 24 seats, while the NDA is ahead in 19.

The political landscape in Maharashtra has significantly changed due to splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP following the rebellions by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 23 seats in Maharashtra, with its then-ally Shiv Sena (undivided) winning 18 seats. The undivided NCP claimed four constituencies, and the Congress managed to win just one seat.

Maharashtra, which sends the second-largest contingent to the Lok Sabha after Uttar Pradesh’s 80 seats, plays a crucial role in determining the central government’s composition.

Several prominent candidates are contesting, including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Narayan Rane, Piyush Goyal, Bharti Pawar, Raosaheb Danve, and Kapil Patil. Other notable candidates include Navneet Kaur-Rana, Ujjwal Nikam, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, Sunetra Ajit Pawar, and Sunil Tatkare.