Election Results 2024 Live Updates: Hemant Soren resigns as CM; stakes claim to form government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's triumph in the Maharashtra elections, calling it a record-breaking victory. "Maharashtra has broken all records. It is the biggest win for any party or pre-poll alliance in the last 50 years," he said during an address to BJP workers at the party headquarters.

Modi emphasized the significance of the victory, underscoring that it reflects the people's unwavering support for the BJP's vision of development, governance, and social justice. "This victory is a testament to the people of Maharashtra’s commitment to progress under the leadership of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters, congratulated key leaders from Maharashtra for their role in the party's victory. "I would like to hail Eknath Shinde, my friend Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar for their leadership in the victory in the Maharashtra polls," he said, acknowledging their efforts in securing the win.

Modi also celebrated the party's performance across several states, with strong results in by-elections. "The people of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan have strongly supported BJP in the bypolls. The people of Assam have also reposed their faith in BJP, and we have received significant support in Madhya Pradesh," he added, noting that the BJP's tally in the Lok Sabha has increased as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters, praised the results of the Maharashtra elections, emphasizing that the biggest message from the polls, following Haryana, was one of unity. "‘Ek hain toh safe hain’ has become the 'maha-mantra' of the country," he said, underscoring the importance of togetherness in ensuring the nation's safety and progress.

PM Modi also declared that the victory in Maharashtra was a triumph of development, good governance, and true social justice. "Lies and deceit have suffered a crushing defeat," he said, highlighting the party's commitment to delivering progress and standing against negative politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media today, acknowledging the strong support BJP received in the recent by-elections across multiple states. He highlighted that Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan had all given a resounding mandate to the BJP. Additionally, the people of Assam have reaffirmed their trust in the party, while BJP also achieved success in Madhya Pradesh.

"Support for NDA has increased in Bihar as well. These results clearly show that the country now only wants development," PM Modi said, emphasizing the growing nationwide backing for the BJP-led alliance and its focus on progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address following the results, said "In a historic victory, the BJP-led NDA alliance has secured its biggest win in Maharashtra in the last 50 years. This marks the third consecutive term for the BJP as the largest party in the state, a testament to the growing support for the party's vision of development and good governance."

He also said Maharashtra has becomes the sixth state to grant a third consecutive term to the NDA, further solidifying the alliance’s dominance in the country.

PM Modi also emphasized that the country has shown unwavering belief in the BJP and NDA, seeing them as the true champions of governance. "The country only believes in BJP and NDA for good governance," he said, highlighting the significant trust the party has earned from the people across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed party workers in Delhi following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's victory in the Maharashtra polls. In his speech, he declared, "Today negative politics has been defeated. Today 'Parivarvad' has been defeated. Today Maharashtra has strengthened the resolve for a developed India."

PM Modi congratulated all BJP and NDA workers across the country for their tireless efforts in securing the victory, emphasizing that the win represents a collective commitment to building a stronger, more developed India. He underscored the defeat of dynastic politics and negative campaigning, stressing the people’s preference for policies that focus on development and good governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for their support following the state elections. Addressing party workers, PM Modi said, "I also thank the people of Jharkhand. We will work harder for the faster development of Jharkhand."

He emphasized the government's commitment to the state's progress, focusing on fulfilling the aspirations of its people. PM Modi assured that the BJP would continue its efforts to improve infrastructure, welfare, and economic growth in Jharkhand, further strengthening the state's development trajectory.

BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday credited the party's recent success in Maharashtra to the people's continued support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Speaking about the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Nadda accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the mandate.

"We (BJP-led NDA) had received the mandate in 2019 as well, but Uddhav Thackeray betrayed that mandate due to his greed for power," Nadda said. He asserted that the recent election results demonstrate that the people of Maharashtra stand firmly with PM Modi, the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP, and Shiv Sena.

The BJP president's comments come after the Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory in the state polls, further solidifying its position in Maharashtra. Nadda expressed gratitude to the voters for reaffirming their faith in the leadership of the NDA.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi took a sharp jab at the Congress party following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections.

“Congress’ ‘guroor’ is on the accelerator even though its ‘janadhar’ is on a ventilator. They are unable to accept that they are out of touch with the public. While they are busy cursing PM Modi, the public is busy giving the mandate to him,” Naqvi remarked.

His comments come amidst celebrations at the BJP headquarters, where leaders attributed the win to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies and public trust. Naqvi’s statement highlights the BJP’s confidence in its growing support base nationwide.

Union minister and BJP president JP Nadda addressed party workers at the BJP headquarters, calling the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections a "historic day."

“The people of Maharashtra and the by-elections held in various states have shown that people have once again expressed their trust in the policies and development work of Prime Minister Modi,” Nadda said.

He emphasized the significance of the win, attributing it to the collective efforts of the BJP and its allies. The Mahayuti alliance's success reinforces the party's growing influence across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets party workers and leaders present at the BJP headquarters

BJP led Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious in Maharashtra assembly elections

The Shiv Sena Working Committee convened a meeting today via video conferencing, during which chief minister Eknath Shinde was granted full authority to make decisions related to government formation discussions with Mahayuti allies.

In addition to this, Shinde was entrusted with the power to decide on key party positions, including the leader of the legislative party, the chief whip, and other legislative office bearers. The resolution was proposed by Naresh Mhaske and was unanimously approved by all members of the working committee.

The decision marks a significant step in the Shiv Sena's efforts to streamline its leadership and coordination with coalition partners.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday described the recent poll results in Maharashtra as "unexpected" and stated that the party is working to understand the underlying reasons behind the outcome. Speaking to the media, Kharge acknowledged the surprising nature of the results and emphasized that the party was thoroughly analyzing the situation to identify the real causes of the outcome.

"We are trying to get to the bottom of these results and understand the real reasons behind them," Kharge said, without elaborating on specific factors. The Congress leader expressed confidence that the party would take the necessary steps to address the challenges posed by the election results.

The unexpected outcome has prompted internal discussions within the Congress party as it assesses its performance in Maharashtra, where the party has faced stiff competition from various regional and national political forces.

The Mahayuti landslide in Maharashtra will leave the state assembly without a leader of opposition as no party outside the ruling alliance has been able to get the mandatory minimum 29 seats. As per data made available on the Election Commission website, the Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the opposition MVA, had won 17 seats and was leading on three. Results for 220 of the 288 seats had been declared as at 7pm. As per the EC website, the BJP had won 95 seats and was leading on 38, while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena emerged victorious on on 44 and was leading on 13. The third constituent of the Mahayuti, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, won 35 seats and was leading on six. In the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the Congress had won 10 seats and was leading on five, while Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) won eight seats and was leading on two.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) secured victories in all six assembly seats in West Bengal where bypolls were held, overcoming challenges from the BJP and INDIA bloc allies, Congress and the Left. Senior TMC leader Derek O’Brien announced the results on Saturday, highlighting the party’s dominance despite facing multiple opponents.

“The Trinamool convincingly won all the six assembly seats that went for bypolls. Other than the BJP, we were also facing two of the INDIA bloc parties, Congress and CPM, who put up candidates in every seat,” O’Brien said.

The TMC, part of the INDIA bloc at the national level but not in a seat-sharing agreement in the state, emphasized its independent approach in West Bengal. O’Brien declined to comment on the INDIA bloc’s performance, stating, “We do not have an electoral alliance with any party in the bloc, so this is not a question we need to answer.”

On social media platform X, O’Brien shared a post celebrating the victory. “TMC 6. BJP and every other party who fought 0. Bumper margins a bonus,” he wrote, along with visuals of party workers celebrating.

Five of the six constituencies were in South Bengal, a TMC stronghold, while the sixth, Madarihat, located in North Bengal, was previously held by the BJP in 2021. The TMC's sweep reinforces its political hold in the state, which has seen ongoing protests over the RG Kar Medical College incident.

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance retained its dominance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 of the 288 seats. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which had performed strongly in the Lok Sabha elections, managed only 50 seats, marking a significant setback for the INDIA bloc in the state.

CPI(M) Politburo member Ashok Dhawale attributed the MVA's defeat to delayed seat-sharing decisions, overconfidence following the Lok Sabha results, and infighting among its constituents. The BJP and its allies, he alleged, used "communal polarization and money power" to secure their victory.

The CPI(M), which contested three seats, retained the Dhanau constituency, where sitting MLA Vinod Nikole defeated the BJP candidate by a narrow margin of 5,347 votes. Calling it a "massive victory," Dhawale said the Left party had triumphed against "unprecedented money power and communal conspiracies."

However, the CPI(M) faced defeats in Kalwan, losing to Ajit Pawar's NCP candidate by over 8,000 votes, and in Solapur City Central, where its candidate finished fourth.

Dhawale accused BJP volunteers of distributing cash to voters and criticized the MVA for its lack of inclusivity towards smaller parties and its failure to address pressing issues like the agrarian crisis.

Despite this victory, the BJP's success in the Nanded by-election reduced the MVA's tally of Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra to 28, underscoring challenges ahead for the opposition alliance.

"Heartfelt thanks to the people of Jharkhand for giving a huge mandate to India. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, all the workers of Congress and JMM for this victory. This victory of the alliance in the state is a victory of the protection of water, forest and land along with the Constitution," said Rahul Gandhi.

"The results of Maharashtra are unexpected and we will analyse them in detail. Thanks to all the voter brothers and sisters of the state for their support and to all the workers for their hard work," he added.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday expressed his elation after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured three out of the four seats in the recently held by-elections. Addressing the media, Mann attributed the victory to AAP’s focus on key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and electricity, which resonated with voters.

“The people of Punjab have shown their trust in us. We focused on schools, electricity, health, and infrastructure. By seeing the results of our work and hearing Arvind Kejriwal speak, we believed in him,” said Mann. He further praised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for leaving his bureaucratic career to join politics, a move Mann credits for his own rise in leadership.

Mann highlighted that the three seats—newly won by AAP—had never been secured by the party before, marking a significant milestone. He pointed out that while a similar wave was witnessed in the 2022 elections, it had not translated into such a win. “The wave that didn’t happen in 2022 has happened now. The people have come to know about our work,” Mann added.

The by-poll results were seen as a significant boost for the ruling party, further cementing AAP's growing influence in Punjab.

The TMC swept bypolls in West Bengal on Saturday, retaining five seats and wresting Madarihat from BJP, further cementing its political dominance in West Bengal, even as the ongoing protests over the RG Kar incident failed to sway voters. The bypolls were held in six constituencies - Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST) - following the resignation of MLAs who had vacated their assembly seats after securing victories in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
These elections held on November 13 were seen as a crucial test for the ruling party amid a politically charged atmosphere, with protests over the RG Kar issue intensifying.

Despite these protests, the TMC emerged victorious across the board, in both rural and urban areas, continuing its winning streak of 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Five of the six constituencies are located in South Bengal, a TMC stronghold, while Madarihat is in the north, which the BJP had won in 2021.

In Haroa, where over 70 per cent of the voters belongs to the minority community, the BJP came a distant third and failed to retain its deposit, prompting party leader Suvendu Adhikari to comment: "Minorities don't vote for BJP".

Hemant Soren, the 49-year-old chief minister of Jharkhand, has had a career shaped by resilience, legal battles, and political struggles. Known for his advocacy of tribal rights, Soren's journey to the top has been far from smooth, marked by challenges that have only strengthened his resolve.

Having recently returned to office for a third term, mere days after being released on bail, Soren's career has been tumultuous. “I have been a victim of a conspiracy designed to destabilize my government,” Soren has consistently stated, pointing to his arrest in a money laundering case related to a land scam. He believes that these legal issues were politically motivated, a claim that resonates with his supporters who view him as a champion for the tribal community.

Soren's political trajectory has been marked by a combination of opportunity and adversity. Born in 1975 in Nemra village near Hazaribag, his early life was heavily influenced by the political legacy of his father, Shibu Soren, a prominent figure in Jharkhand politics. Hemant initially wasn’t seen as his father’s heir. That changed after the untimely death of his elder brother, Durga, in 2009, which led Hemant to take the political reins of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

He entered politics in 2009 as a Rajya Sabha member but resigned in 2010 to become Deputy Chief Minister in an alliance with the BJP. However, when the coalition collapsed in 2012, Soren's political fortunes faced a setback with the imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Despite this, his resolve remained unshaken. In 2013, at the age of 38, Soren became the youngest-ever Chief Minister of Jharkhand, with the backing of Congress and the RJD. His first tenure was short-lived, as the BJP came to power in 2014, and Soren found himself leading the opposition.

A key turning point in his career came in 2016 when the BJP-led government sought to amend laws protecting tribal land rights. Soren led massive protests against the changes, aligning himself with the tribal communities and making tribal rights a key part of his political identity. His leadership during this period helped him regain the Chief Minister's post in 2019 after his party, JMM, secured its best-ever result in the state elections.

However, his time in power has not been free of controversy. The BJP-led central government has been a constant adversary, and Soren has not hesitated to call out what he sees as exploitation of Jharkhand's resources. He has repeatedly accused the Centre of undercompensating the state for its coal resources, raising the issue of Rs 1.36 lakh crore in unpaid dues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Centre has squeezed the state like a lemon for over two decades," Soren remarked in a recent interview, accusing the government of enriching itself at the expense of Jharkhand’s poor. Despite facing political opposition, legal issues, and internal party struggles, Soren has managed to retain his hold on power.

Soren’s leadership has been marked by initiatives aimed at empowering tribal communities. Under his tenure, the state launched the 'Apke Adhikar, Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar' scheme, which aimed to deliver government services directly to people. Additionally, his administration expanded pension schemes and introduced financial aid programs for women. In 2023, Soren also announced farmer loan waivers to benefit over 1.75 lakh farmers.

Soren has also faced internal party challenges. In 2022, he narrowly avoided disqualification from the state assembly due to allegations surrounding a mining lease. Yet, his leadership has remained steady, navigating these hurdles with a focus on the welfare of Jharkhand’s people.

Alongside his political duties, Soren and his wife Kalpana addressed around 200 election rallies over the past two months, solidifying his strong base ahead of the upcoming elections. His efforts continue to resonate deeply with the tribal communities that form the backbone of his support.

Despite the ups and downs, Soren’s unwavering stance on tribal rights and social welfare has earned him loyal supporters and vocal critics alike. Whether his tenure continues or not, Hemant Soren’s career is a testament to his relentless fight for the dignity and rights of Jharkhand’s tribal population.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's brother Basant Soren won the Dumka assembly seat by 14,588 votes on Saturday, according to the Election Commission. BJP candidate Sunil Soren was in second place in the seat, securing 81,097 votes. The JMM candidate got 95,685 votes.
Basant Soren won the Dumka seat in a bypoll in 2020, defeating BJP's Lois Marandi by 6,842 votes.

In 2019, Hemant Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both. Later, he vacated the Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll.

Meanwhile, state minister Rameshwar Oraon of the Congress won from Lohardaga seat, defeating AJSU Party's Neeru Shanti Bhagat by 34,670 votes, as per the EC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to voters in Maharashtra and other states for supporting the NDA in the latest bypolls, calling the mandate a testament to the alliance's development and governance efforts. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi said, “Development wins! Good governance wins! United we will soar even higher!”

He thanked Maharashtra’s youth and women for their overwhelming support, describing the mandate as “historic” and reaffirming the alliance's commitment to the state’s progress. “Our Alliance will keep working for Maharashtra’s progress. Jai Maharashtra!” he added.

Extending his gratitude to voters across the states, Modi highlighted the NDA’s focus on fulfilling aspirations. He also commended BJP workers for their grassroots efforts, emphasizing their dedication in promoting the alliance’s good governance agenda.

Addressing the results in Jharkhand, Modi thanked voters for supporting the NDA while acknowledging the performance of the Hemant Soren-led JMM alliance. “I congratulate the JMM-led alliance for their performance in the state,” he wrote.

The results mark a significant moment for the NDA, as its pro-people initiatives find resonance, even as regional alliances like JMM continue to maintain their strongholds in specific states.

Celebrations unfolded at the BJP headquarters as leaders congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the party's performance in the Uttar Pradesh by-polls.

Of the nine assembly seats contested, the BJP has secured three victories and is leading in three others. Its ally, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), is leading on one seat. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has claimed two seats.

The results highlight a competitive political landscape in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP retaining a significant lead, reaffirming its dominance under CM Adityanath's leadership.

Celebrations erupted in Maharashtra as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, including Shiv Sena and NCP factions, secured a decisive victory in the state assembly elections. Key leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Bhupendra Yadav, were seen flashing victory signs as the coalition gears up to form the government.

Addressing reporters, Fadnavis expressed gratitude to voters and dismissed opposition claims of electoral malpractice. "We are thankful to all the citizens of Maharashtra. This shows the belief of Maharashtra in PM Modi. We are bowed before Maharashtra and its people. Their faith increases our responsibility, and we will ensure to reciprocate it with dedicated governance," he said.

Responding to allegations by Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) about EVM tampering, Fadnavis defended the Election Commission. "I know that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has won in Jharkhand in a legitimate and fair election. The Election Commission did a good job, and the EVMs were secure. But here, when we achieve a huge victory, suddenly the same EVMs are accused of being hacked, and democracy is said to have been murdered. Sometimes, one needs to introspect," he stated.

With this victory, the Mahayuti coalition consolidates its influence in the state, promising a renewed focus on governance under PM Narendra Modi's leadership.

Priyanka expressed gratitude through a heartfelt post on X, “My dearest sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. I will make sure that over time, you truly feel this victory has been your victory... I look forward to being your voice in Parliament!”

She also thanked her family, campaign workers, and the UDF coalition, saying, “To my brother, Rahul, you are the bravest of them all... Thank you for showing me the way and having my back, always!”

Maharashtra deputy chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday dismissed speculations of a dispute over the chief minister’s post, asserting that the Mahayuti coalition leaders would collectively decide on the matter.

Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis emphasized the coalition’s unity as vote counting revealed a commanding lead for the BJP-led alliance. "There is no row over the CM's post. Leaders of Mahayuti parties will decide," he said, adding that the results reflect the state’s support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Victory credits and opposition criticism

Fadnavis credited voters, particularly women, for the alliance’s success and took a dig at the opposition, saying their attempts to spread "fake narratives" and polarize voters had failed. "We succeeded in breaking the chakravyuh created by the opposition," he said.

Shinde’s Shiv Sena endorsed by voters

Fadnavis remarked that the results affirmed Eknath Shinde’s faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena aligned with Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideals.

Poll trends

As per the Election Commission, the BJP has secured 10 seats and is leading in 120 others, further cementing the Mahayuti's path to forming the government.

While some voices within the BJP have called for Fadnavis to take the CM’s mantle, the final decision awaits a consensus among Mahayuti leaders.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren, is on track to secure a second consecutive term as part of the INDIA bloc. As of 1:30 PM, the Election Commission reported JMM leading in 33 of the 43 seats it contested, sparking celebrations among loyal party workers.

The Sorens, dubbed 'Bunty aur Babli' by BJP leaders, defied anti-incumbency and allegations of corruption, conducting nearly 200 rallies despite challenges. Kalpana Soren, who stepped into active politics after Hemant’s arrest earlier this year, emerged as a key player in revitalizing the party.

Hemant Soren is leading in Barhait by 17,347 votes, while Kalpana is ahead by 1,612 votes in Gandey after 14 counting rounds. The JMM’s campaign successfully tapped into tribal sentiments following Hemant’s arrest in a money-laundering case linked to a land scam, turning the BJP’s criticism into a wave of sympathy among voters.

Populist schemes and tribal outreach

JMM’s populist initiatives, including the Maiyan Samman Yojna, farm loan waivers, and free electricity up to 200 units, resonated with voters. Promises to increase financial assistance for women and expand welfare schemes further boosted their appeal.

BJP’s counterattack falls short

Top BJP leaders, including PM Modi and Amit Shah, launched an aggressive campaign accusing JMM of corruption and misgovernance. They targeted Soren's stint in jail and questioned the coalition's decision to remove Champai Soren as Chief Minister. However, the BJP failed to counter the JMM’s strong tribal base and welfare-driven agenda.

If the trends hold, Hemant Soren will take office as Chief Minister for a third term, solidifying the Sorens' influence in Jharkhand’s political landscape.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao on Saturday stated that the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly election results reaffirm the critical role of regional parties in shaping Indian politics. In a post on social media platform 'X,' he criticized the Congress for failing to become a strong opposition while undermining regional players.

“The writing is on the wall! Today’s Maharashtra and Jharkhand election results have sent a clear message: Regional parties have always been and will continue to be the future of Indian politics. Congress party fails to become a strong opposition but is hellbent on destroying regional parties. This has become a recurring theme,” he wrote.

Election trends show contrasting outcomes in states
According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised for a landslide victory in Maharashtra, while the JMM-led INDIA bloc is leading in 50 of Jharkhand’s 81 assembly seats. The NDA, on the other hand, is ahead in 30 constituencies in Jharkhand.

Criticism of Congress and BJP
Rama Rao argued that the BJP thrives on Congress’s inefficacy, stating that both national parties rely on the efforts of regional players. “The BJP is surviving only because of Congress’s inability and incompetence. Both are shamelessly piggybacking on regional parties’ hard work and commitment,” he said.

Advice for Revanth Reddy
Taking a swipe at Telangana Congress Chief Revanth Reddy, KTR mocked his campaign efforts in Maharashtra, saying they had no impact on Congress’s poor performance in the state. He advised Reddy to concentrate on fulfilling the “six guarantees” the Congress had promised during last year’s Telangana Assembly elections.

Rama Rao’s remarks reflect the ongoing tussle between national and regional parties as they navigate shifting political landscapes in India.

The Mahayuti alliance, led by BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), crossed the majority mark in Maharashtra's 2024 Assembly elections on Saturday, setting the stage for government formation. Celebrations erupted as the alliance secured victories in over 200 constituencies.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed gratitude towards the BJP leadership for their support. "I thank PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Nadda ji for prioritizing Maharashtra. I am proud to have been proven right in saying we will win 200 seats. We fought like a team," Shinde said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, on the alliance's success. Shinde reiterated that the decision on the Chief Minister's face would be taken collectively once final results are declared.

At Shinde's residence in Thane, celebrations included cheering Shiv Sena workers and sweet distributions. His son, MP Shrikant Shinde, hailed the victory, thanking voters for supporting the alliance.

The BJP’s Mumbai office buzzed with activity, with party leader Vikas Pathak attributing the success to PM Modi's leadership. "We expected over 160 seats for Mahayuti, and the numbers are matching. A Mahayuti CM will take office," he said.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar celebrated in Baramati, where he leads by over 15,000 votes. NCP leaders gathered at Devagiri to mark the victory.

The opposition acknowledged the setback, with Congress leader Supriya Shrinate admitting, "The results are opposite to our expectations." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the verdict, claiming it did not reflect the people's mandate.

As celebrations continue, the focus now shifts to the alliance’s final decision on the Chief Ministerial post.

Congress leader Mumtaz Patel on Saturday celebrated Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s decisive victory in Wayanad while lamenting the dismal performance of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra. Patel highlighted her father Ahmed Patel’s vision and leadership as a guiding example for the Congress.

Speaking to ANI, Mumtaz Patel said, “The good news is that we will now see Priyanka ji in Parliament with a landslide victory in Wayanad. The party is leading in Gujarat and all three seats in Karnataka in bypolls. Our alliance is also ahead in Jharkhand. However, it is saddening to see the results coming from Maharashtra.”

Reflecting on Ahmed Patel’s legacy, she added, “Ahmed Patel used to say and do things with seriousness. He made decisions by taking everyone along. Like him, we need leaders who prioritize the party’s interest over personal gains.”

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Priyanka Gandhi is leading by over 6 lakh votes in Wayanad, a Congress bastion previously represented by Rahul Gandhi. She is contesting against BJP’s Navya Haridas and CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), is leading in 218 seats, while the MVA trails with 47 seats, including Congress leading in just 20. The BJP has already secured two seats, and Shiv Sena has one, marking a significant blow to the MVA’s prospects.

"How can an EVM machine be 99% charged despite voting taking place all day? Election Commission should answer..
@ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI As soon as 99% charged machines were opened in Anushakti Nagar assembly, BJP supported NCP started getting votes, how come?" she said in a post on X.

As the Mahayuti alliance appears set to retain power in Maharashtra following a landslide victory, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s husband, businessman Robert Vadra, called on his party to learn from the election results and respect the people's verdict.

"We need to learn from the results in Maharashtra and respect the verdict of the people. We need to work with the party who wins and work for the development of the state," he told ANI.

"Congratulations to the Mahayuti Alliance on securing a historic mandate in Maharashtra. This victory reflects people's continued trust in the leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, whose strategic vision, transformative policies and devotion to the people are paving the way for a Viksit Bharat to emerge," he said in a post on X.

Union home minister Amit Shah congratulated Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis as the Mahayuti alliance edged closer to a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections.

The Mahayuti alliance is heading toward a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, surpassing the crucial majority mark with one seat secured and leading in over 200 constituencies as of 1:00 PM. At the residence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, sweets were brought in to mark the celebrations. Meanwhile, BJP's Mumbai office was buzzing with excitement as party workers distributed sweets in anticipation of a resounding victory.

In Baramati, where NCP leader and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is leading by 15,382 votes, NCP supporters celebrated with crackers and joyous cheers. The celebrations also extended to Devagiri, where Nationalist Congress Party leaders, including Ajit Pawar, national working president MP Praful Patel, and state president MP Sunil Tatkare, joined in the festivities.

Devendra Fadnavis will join celebrations at BJP Maharashtra office, Nariman Point at 3.30pm.

As Mahayuti is set to form govt in Maharashtra, Fadnavi's mother, Sarita Fadnavis said, "Of course, he will become the CM...It is a big day as my son has become a big leader in the state. He was working hard at all 24 hours..."

As the Mahayuti alliance crossed the halfway mark in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections vote counting, BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde attributed the success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tawde emphasized Modi's continued popularity in Maharashtra, describing it as a crucial factor in the state's political landscape.

"Indirect schemes that include infrastructure, agriculture, and water management, focusing on long-term development and sustainability. Meanwhile, direct benefit schemes like the Ladki Behna Yojana and Kisan Samman Nidhi provide direct financial support to beneficiaries," he said.

"There was anger against Sanjay Raut for allegedly undermining the strategy. Additionally, there was frustration also over deliberate alliances with anti-Hindu elements," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his congratulations to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis. Shah spoke to the leaders following their party's performance in the state elections.

Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baramati for their continued support.

As Ajit Pawar led in the assembly constituency, Sunetra called the day fortunate, praising the Mahayuti's lead in the Maharashtra assembly polls while taking a swipe at the Maha Vikas Aghadi. She emphasized that the public in Baramati had made their true voice heard by voting for Ajit Pawar, describing it as a victory for the people of the region.

"It is a very fortunate day for everyone: Ajit Dada, NCP, the public, and Baramati. The people of Baramati have given their actual verdict. I thank the people of Baramati for extending their support to Ajit Dada. This is the victory of the people of Baramati... The win is the win of the people...I want the same (Ajit Pawar to be CM) as the public wants... Let's see what happens," Sunetra Pawar said.