Exit Poll Results 2024 Highlights: Two more exit polls give clear edge to Mahayuti in Maharashtra

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reacted over the exits polls of the recently concluded Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections on Thursday saying, Mahayuti government is going to be formed again in Maharashtra and Bharatiya Janata Party will be winning in Jharkhand.

CM Yadav also highlighted that the favourable results are coming in all the by-elections held in the several states across the nation, adding that the atmosphere created across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is favourable for the BJP. In democracy, people's opinion is everything and people are with BJP.

"Be it Jharkhand or Maharashtra, in the whole country, the atmosphere has been formed in favour of BJP. I am satisfied that now the trust which the people show towards BJP is brought to the vote. This is the reason we all are seeing that the Mahayuti government is going to be formed once again in Maharashtra. Similarly, BJP is winning in Jharkhand and almost all the by-elections are getting good favourable results. Though this is the trend in democracy, we will wait till November 23," CM Yadav told reporters.

Haryana Minister and BJP leader Anil Vij on Thursday expressed confidence that BJP-led governments will be formed in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand. "BJP is going to form the government in Maharashtra as well as Jharkhand. BJP will win in both places," he said.

Vij criticized the Congress for its claims of EVM hacking following exit poll projections. He accused the party of misleading the public, stating, "Congress has a university of lies, where the syllabus is to cry about EVMs whenever they lose."

Questioning the Congress’s stance, Vij remarked, "If they believe EVMs are hacked, they should resign from the seats they have won using those same EVMs."

Polling in Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats concluded in a single phase on Wednesday, while Jharkhand wrapped up its second phase of elections the same day. Exit polls predict a BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra and an NDA victory in Jharkhand, replacing the JMM-led alliance.

Results for both states will be declared on November 23.

Despite exit polls suggesting a BJP-led NDA victory in Jharkhand, Congress leader Rakesh Sinha expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance’s success. Sinha stated that public support remains firmly with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), dismissing the significance of exit polls.

“Exit polls don’t form governments; people do,” Sinha said, citing youth, farmers, and women as key groups backing the alliance. He attributed this support to initiatives such as the Maiya Samman Yojana, farmer loan waivers, and affordable gas cylinders.

Sinha pointed out past inaccuracies in exit polls, stating, “During the Lok Sabha elections, they predicted ‘400-plus seats,’ but the BJP barely crossed 300. We are not concerned about exit polls; the public has blessed the Mahagathbandhan.”

Congress leader Surendra Rajput echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism for a repeat victory in Jharkhand and a shift in Maharashtra. “None of the key groups—women, farmers, youth—want a Mahayuti (BJP-led alliance) government,” he said.

Exit polls remain divided, with some forecasting a BJP-led win and others leaning towards the ruling JMM-led alliance. Elections for Jharkhand’s 81 assembly seats concluded in two phases, with a voter turnout of 67.59%. Results will be announced on November 23.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Anand Dubey on Thursday dismissed exit poll predictions suggesting that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will retain power in Maharashtra, calling them a "medium of entertainment." Speaking to ANI, Dubey said, "Exit polls have become a medium of entertainment. In Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, they predicted that the Congress would form the government, but the BJP formed the government. So, exit polls are just for entertainment. We will know the actual results on November 23."

Exit polls released after the conclusion of voting on Wednesday evening suggested that the ruling Mahayuti alliance is likely to hold on to power in Maharashtra, with the NDA also poised to form the government in Jharkhand. Most of the exit polls also indicated that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would perform well but fall short of a majority in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

Dubey’s comments reflect the skepticism often voiced by political leaders regarding the accuracy of exit polls, especially in a highly competitive political landscape. The final outcome will be determined when the votes are counted on November 23.

Maharashtra exit polls for the 288-seat assembly according to Axis My India exit polls prediction, Mahayuti alliance is likely to secure between 170-200 seats, while the MVA alliance is expected to win between 82-102 seats. Others are likely to win between 6-12 seats.

The vote share projection shows Mahayuti leading with 48%, followed by MVA at 37%, and Others at 12%. These numbers suggest a strong performance by the Mahayuti alliance in the state.

According to the Axis My India exit polls for Maharashtra 2024, Eknath Shinde is the preferred choice for the next chief minister, with 31% of respondents supporting him. Uddhav Thackeray follows with 18%, while Devendra Fadnavis receives 12%.

Other prominent figures like Sharad Pawar and Prakash Ambedkar (VBA) have 5% each. Nitin Gadkari and Ajit Pawar are less favored, with 2% each. Additionally, 10% of respondents prefer any candidate from Congress, and 5% favor any BJP candidate. Others/Don't know account for 6% of the responses.

Today's Chanakya exit polls predict a decisive victory for the BJP-led alliance (BJP+) in the Maharashtra 2024 elections. The BJP+ is projected to secure 175 ± 11 seats, while the Congress-led alliance (Cong+) is expected to win 100 ± 11 seats. Other parties and independents are likely to account for 13 ± 5 seats.

These projections indicate a strong performance by the BJP+ in the state, solidifying its lead over the opposition.

In North Maharashtra, MahaYuti is predicted to win 38 of the 47 seats, securing 53% of the vote share, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is expected to gain 7 seats with 32% of the votes. The VBA is unlikely to win any seats, with just 2% of the vote share, while others account for 13% and are projected to win 2 seats.

In Western Maharashtra, Mahayuti is expected to secure 36 out of 58 seats with a 48% vote share, followed by the MVA with 21 seats and 41% of the votes. VBA is projected to receive 2% of the vote share without any seats, and others account for 9% of the votes, translating to 1 seat.

The Axis My India exit polls project a significant lead for the Mahayuti alliance across major regions in Maharashtra. In Mumbai, Mahayuti is expected to win 22 of the 36 seats with 45% of the vote share, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is predicted to secure 14 seats with 43%. The VBA is unlikely to win any seats, garnering only 2% of the vote share, while others account for the remaining 10%.

In Konkan and Thane, Mahayuti is projected to dominate with 24 out of 39 seats and a 50% vote share, leaving the MVA with 13 seats and 33% of the votes. VBA and others are expected to receive 2% and 15% of the vote share, respectively, with others winning 2 seats.

In Marathwada, Mahayuti is anticipated to secure 30 out of 46 seats with a 45% vote share, followed by the MVA with 15 seats and 38% of the votes. The VBA is expected to gather 5% of the vote share without any seats, while others account for 12%, translating into 1 seat.

These projections indicate a strong performance by the Mahayuti alliance across the state, leaving the MVA trailing in all three regions.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised for a significant victory in Maharashtra, according to exit polls conducted by Axis My India. The poll predicts a comfortable edge for the NDA in the state, which plays a crucial role in determining the national political landscape.

While the exact seat numbers are yet to be revealed, the exit polls suggest strong voter support for the ruling alliance, driven by its performance and campaign strategy in the state. Analysts believe this outcome could bolster the NDA’s position at the national level ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Exit poll predictions for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections have sparked a range of reactions from political parties, with some embracing the forecasts as signs of impending victory, while others remain skeptical, questioning the accuracy of the surveys.

NDA confident of victory

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh voiced strong confidence in the NDA's performance, asserting that the alliance would form governments in both states. "We know this since earlier, we know that in both states NDA is going to form the government," Singh said, referencing the Congress' misjudgment of the Haryana results in the previous Lok Sabha elections.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo echoed similar sentiments, confidently predicting a historic majority in Jharkhand. "We differ from the exit polls. We are going to cross 50-55 seats. This will be the strongest government in Jharkhand," Deo asserted, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the current government, including corruption allegations and the five-month imprisonment of the state’s chief minister.

Opposition questions exit polls' credibility

In contrast, opposition leaders were quick to dismiss the exit polls, calling them premature and unreliable. Congress candidate Dr. Ajoy Kumar emphasized that the true picture would only emerge on November 23, the day of the results. "Exit polls show trends, but they have been inaccurate in recent elections. We remain confident that the JMM-Congress government will be formed," he said.

Dr. Nitin Raut, another Congress leader, suggested that some respondents might misrepresent their votes in exit polls, which could lead to inaccuracies. He also accused Mahayuti of electoral malpractice, claiming that the alliance used tactics such as bogus voting and manipulation of resources to secure a victory.

JMM leader Manoj Pandey joined the critique, referring to the flawed predictions of the previous Lok Sabha polls, suggesting that survey agencies had lost their credibility. “According to our internal survey, we will win 50+ seats in Jharkhand,” he claimed.

Exit Polls and Predictions

Exit polls for both Maharashtra and Jharkhand indicate close contests, with predictions showing that the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, will secure between 137-157 seats. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), is projected to win between 126-147 seats. The majority mark in Maharashtra’s 288-member assembly is set at 145 seats.

In Jharkhand, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is expected to have an edge, though some exit polls predict that the ruling JMM-led alliance could still hold ground. Polls in Jharkhand took place in two phases, with the final results set for November 23.

Polling Data

Maharashtra saw a voter turnout of 58.22% by 5 pm on Wednesday, with the elections being the first since the split in Shiv Sena and NCP. In Jharkhand, the second phase of polling concluded with a turnout of 67.59%. The results for both states will be declared on November 23, alongside bypoll results from several states.

Despite exit polls suggesting a potential shift in power to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Jharkhand, Congress leader Rakesh Sinha has expressed unwavering confidence in the victory of the INDIA alliance, asserting that the public has spoken in favor of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance).

In an exclusive statement to ANI on Thursday, Sinha dismissed the significance of exit polls, emphasizing that governments are formed by the people, not by predictions. He said, “No exit poll forms anyone’s government. Governments are formed by people. The youth, farmers, and women have voted to form the Mahagathbandhan government.”

Sinha further highlighted the promises made by the alliance, including the Maiya Samman Yojana, loan waivers for farmers, and guarantees for employment and affordable gas cylinders. He insisted that these commitments resonated with voters, leading to the Mahagathbandhan securing public trust. "We don’t need to go by exit polls... We know the people of the state have ousted BJP-NDA," Sinha added.

NCP-SCP leader Clyde Crasto dismissed the accuracy of exit polls predicting a win for the BJP-led Mahayuti in the #MaharashtraAssemblyElection2024, citing past instances of discrepancies between polls and final results.

"These are exit polls; we saw what happened in Haryana. Exit polls show something else, and the final result is something else," Crasto stated. He emphasized the importance of ground realities, suggesting a different picture than what exit polls indicate.

"We are people from the grassroots; we understand what is happening here. As of now, what we have seen, it is an even fight... we have an edge," he added, expressing optimism for the Congress-led INDIA alliance.

Crasto urged patience as the state awaits the counting of votes on November 23, saying, "People have voted; let's wait for the 23rd." His comments reflect confidence in the alliance's grassroots support despite unfavorable exit poll predictions.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed confidence in the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the #MaharashtraAssemblyElection2024, highlighting the central government's contributions to the state's development over the last decade.

"The way in the last 10 years, development has happened under the leadership of PM Modi, Maharashtra has received at least Rs 10 lakh crore from the central government," Athawale stated. He credited the Modi administration's schemes for significantly benefiting Maharashtra, emphasizing their impact on infrastructure and public welfare.

Athawale also praised the decisions taken by the Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, saying, "In the last 2.5 years, whatever decisions taken by the government of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar, will also benefit Mahayuti."

As exit polls predict a strong showing for Mahayuti, Athawale’s remarks reflect optimism within the ruling alliance ahead of the final results, scheduled for November 23.

Congress leader Pranav Jha expressed strong confidence in a sweeping victory for the INDIA alliance in the ongoing Jharkhand elections, claiming that the mandate is clearly in favor of the opposition coalition.

"It is a clear mandate in favour of the INDIA government," Jha stated, emphasizing his belief that the Mahagathbandhan will perform significantly better than in the previous elections. "We are going to do better than last time, there was great enthusiasm among the voters," he added, citing the high level of voter engagement as a sign of strong support for the alliance.

Jha further dismissed the BJP’s chances, saying, "There was a clear indication that BJP was no match, there was no contest."

With the final results due on November 23, Jha’s comments reflect the optimism within the opposition camp, which is hopeful for a major victory over the ruling JMM-led government.

Maharashtra Minister and NCP candidate from Yeola, Chhagan Bhujbal, responded to exit poll predictions with strong confidence in the ruling Mahayuti alliance’s prospects.

"In the last six months, the Mahayuti government brought a lot of schemes and implemented them," Bhujbal highlighted, pointing to the government's achievements as evidence of its effectiveness. He also criticized the opposition's attempts to undermine the government's work, stating, "The fake narrative which was being spread by them was busted."

Bhujbal firmly asserted that the Mahayuti alliance would emerge victorious, declaring, "A 100% Mahayuti government will be formed in Maharashtra."

His comments reflect the NCP's optimism heading into the final results, which will be declared on November 23, with Bhujbal and other Mahayuti leaders anticipating a strong mandate for the alliance.

Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly and BJP candidate from Chandankiyari, Amar Kumar Bauri, expressed strong confidence that the people of Jharkhand are ready for a change, predicting a victory for the BJP-NDA alliance.

"People were in a mood for change for the last two years... Here, BJP and NDA government will be formed," Bauri stated, emphasizing the growing sentiment for a shift in governance. He also criticized the current administration, claiming that the departure of the "corrupt government" was inevitable.

Bauri reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to progress in the state, stating, "We have said earlier also that if BJP government is formed, then whoever gets the opportunity under the guidance of BJP Legislative Party and central leadership, that leader will take Jharkhand forward."

With the final results due on November 23, Bauri’s remarks reflect the BJP’s optimism about securing a mandate for change in Jharkhand.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur South-West, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed confidence that the increased voter turnout in the state will work in favor of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.

"I feel that whenever the voting percentage increases, BJP is the only one to benefit from it," Fadnavis remarked. He further emphasized, "With the increased voting percentage, BJP-Mahayuti will benefit from this."

Fadnavis's comments come as election officials report a higher voter turnout in the state, fueling speculation about its impact on the final results. The BJP leader believes that this surge in voter participation will translate into a strong mandate for the BJP and its allies.

With the final results to be announced on November 23, all eyes are on Maharashtra to see whether the increased turnout will indeed give Mahayuti the advantage that Fadnavis predicts.

BJP candidate from Jamtara constituency, Sita Soren, expressed her gratitude to the public for their support in the ongoing Jharkhand elections, highlighting the party's growing momentum, especially among women voters.

"I thank the public for supporting BJP. The government which has been running for 5 years has betrayed the youth and women," Soren remarked, critiquing the incumbent JMM-led alliance. She emphasized that the key issue driving the election is the promise of change, particularly for women in Jharkhand.

"In this election, the women of Jharkhand have decided to bring change. Everyone came forward for 'Roti, Beti and Maati,'" Soren stated, underlining the importance of these basic issues in the election narrative.

Soren is confident that the people's desire for change will translate into a victory for the BJP, adding, "On 23rd, we will see the change." The final results of the elections will be announced on November 23, with the BJP hoping to wrest control from the ruling JMM-led government.

Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora expressed his gratitude towards the voters of Maharashtra, praising their participation in the ongoing assembly elections. Speaking about the outcome, Deora confidently predicted a resounding victory for the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

"I thank the voters of Maharashtra for fulfilling their duty. In this election, Mahayuti will get a hat trick. Mahayuti will win with a comfortable majority," Deora stated.

His comments reflect the Shiv Sena's optimism about retaining power in Maharashtra, despite predictions of a tough contest from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). With exit polls suggesting a narrow margin, Deora’s statement signals his belief in the alliance’s strong performance and widespread voter support.

The final results will be declared on November 23, with all eyes on the state to see if Mahayuti can secure the "hat trick" victory that Deora envisions.

Shiv Sena candidate from the Mumbadevi assembly seat, Shaina NC, has dismissed the accuracy of exit polls, asserting that they often fail to reflect the true outcome of elections.

"Exit polls are exit polls, not 'exact' polls. The Lok Sabha and Haryana Assembly elections are prime examples of this," Shaina NC stated, referring to the discrepancies between exit poll predictions and actual results in previous elections.

She expressed her confidence in the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Shiv Sena, stating, "Mahayuti will return." Shaina NC's remarks came as exit polls for Maharashtra's assembly elections projected a close contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

With the final results to be announced on November 23, Shaina NC’s optimism reflects her belief in the alliance’s strength and the support it has garnered among voters.

Jharkhand minister and JMM leader Hafizul Hassan has strongly countered allegations regarding the presence of foreign nationals in the state, particularly the claims about Bangladeshis.

"There are no Bangladeshis here. You have central agencies under you, so what were you doing?" Hassan remarked, addressing the controversy that has been raised by political opponents. He further criticized the shifting narrative, saying, "Earlier they used to say 'Pakistan, Pakistan,' and now they are saying 'Bangladeshi, Bangladeshi.'"

Hassan’s comments were made in the context of ongoing discussions and accusations during the assembly elections. The debate has intensified as political parties continue to engage in a war of words over the presence of alleged foreign nationals and the impact on the state’s electoral dynamics.

The Minister's remarks highlight the growing tensions surrounding these allegations, as Jharkhand heads into the final stages of its election process. The results will be announced on November 23, with both the ruling JMM-led alliance and the BJP-led NDA waiting for the verdict.

Union minister and BJP’s Jharkhand election-incharge, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, expressed strong confidence in the BJP-NDA alliance’s chances in the state, dismissing the credibility of exit polls.

“Who can be a bigger surveyor in Jharkhand than us? We have been in Jharkhand for the last three months, and we have seen firsthand how the people are wishing for change,” Chouhan stated. He further emphasized his belief that the people of Jharkhand have voted in favor of the BJP-NDA alliance.

“I am sure that the people have voted for BJP-NDA. We are going to form the government with a huge mandate,” he added, signaling the BJP’s optimism ahead of the results.

Exit polls have predicted a tight race between the ruling JMM-Congress alliance and the BJP-led NDA. However, Chouhan’s comments suggest that the BJP is banking on a significant shift in voter sentiment. The final results will be declared on November 23, with both alliances eagerly awaiting the outcome.

BJP leader RP Singh has expressed confidence in the BJP-led NDA's prospects in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand following the release of exit poll predictions. Singh stated that the BJP-NDA coalition will receive the "blessings of the people" in both states, predicting a favorable outcome for the alliance.

"In both the states, the BJP-NDA will get the blessings of the people," Singh remarked, reflecting his belief in the coalition’s strong support. He also noted that Maharashtra’s voter turnout should have been higher and expressed hope for a final turnout of over 70% in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Singh's comments come as exit polls suggest a tight contest in both states, with the BJP-NDA facing significant challenges from opposition alliances. The final results will be announced on November 23, with political observers keenly watching the outcome.

The P-Marq Exit Poll for Jharkhand suggests a competitive race with the INDIA alliance in the lead. The poll projects the INDIA alliance to win between 37 and 47 seats, while the BJP-led NDA is expected to secure 31 to 40 seats. Other parties are likely to win between 1 and 6 seats. With the majority mark set at 41, the election results remain uncertain, signaling a closely contested battle for power in the state.

Atul Londhe, Chief Spokesperson of Maharashtra Congress, has dismissed the credibility of exit polls following the state’s assembly elections, emphasizing the party’s reliance on actual election results rather than projections.

"We do not place any trust in exit polls. These polls have lost their credibility. We are not taking part in them. We trust only the actual results," Londhe stated. He expressed confidence that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance would secure enough seats to form a "comfortable" government in Maharashtra.

Londhe’s comments come amidst contrasting exit poll predictions, with some suggesting a tight race between MVA and the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The final results will be revealed on November 23, but Londhe’s remarks highlight the MVA's belief in its strong position heading into the counting phase.

As polling wraps up in Jharkhand, Congress leader Rajesh Thakur expressed confidence in the performance of the JMM-Congress alliance, citing strong voter participation and widespread discussions on the government’s work at polling booths.

Thakur, speaking to reporters after casting his vote, noted the significant involvement of women voters and the positive sentiment surrounding the government's initiatives. "The way women have participated in polling and the discussions happening among people about the government's work at the booths, I can say that our alliance (JMM-Congress) will perform better than last time, and we will provide a strong government to the state," he stated.

His comments come as the state anticipates a close contest between the ruling alliance and the opposition BJP-led NDA. The final results will be declared on November 23, but Thakur’s optimism reflects the confidence within the ruling coalition heading into the crucial phase of vote counting.

According to the Axis My India Exit Poll for Jharkhand, the ruling INDIA alliance is projected to win 52 seats, securing a commanding lead in the state.

In contrast, the BJP-led NDA is expected to secure only 23 seats, while others are projected to win 3 seats.

With the majority mark being 41, the INDIA alliance looks set to retain power in the state.

The Times Now-JVC Exit Poll for Jharkhand projects a close race, with the BJP-led NDA alliance set to secure between 40 and 44 seats. The JMM-led INDIA alliance is expected to win between 30 and 40 seats, while other parties and independents are likely to win 0-1 seat.

With the majority mark standing at 41, the NDA appears to be in a strong position to form the next government in Jharkhand.

The Chanakya Exit Poll for Jharkhand indicates a significant lead for the BJP-led NDA alliance, which is projected to win between 45 and 50 seats. The JMM-led INDI alliance is expected to secure 35 to 38 seats.

Other smaller parties and independents are predicted to win 3 to 5 seats. With a projected majority mark of 41 seats, the NDA seems poised to take control of the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly.

According to the Peoples Pulse exit poll, the BJP-led NDA alliance is on track to secure power in Jharkhand. With the majority mark set at 41 seats in the 81-member Assembly, the NDA is projected to win between 42 and 48 seats.

The AJSU Party, an ally of the NDA, is expected to secure 2 to 5 seats.

On the opposition side, the JMM-led INDIA alliance is forecasted to win between 16 and 23 seats, with Congress securing 8 to 14 seats. The exit poll results suggest a significant shift in the state's political landscape, with the NDA poised to oust the current JMM government.

The Chanakya exit poll has projected a strong performance for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, forecasting a range of 150 to 160 seats for the coalition in the 288-member Assembly.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is expected to secure between 130 and 138 seats, indicating a close contest between the two alliances. Smaller parties and independents are predicted to win 6 to 8 seats, potentially influencing the final outcome.

With results scheduled to be announced on November 23, the Mahayuti is currently positioned to retain power in the state.

The latest Matrize exit poll predicts a narrow yet significant shift in Jharkhand's political landscape, with the BJP-led NDA alliance expected to secure between 42 and 47 seats in the 81-member Assembly. This projection places the NDA in a strong position to form the next government, overtaking the ruling JMM-led INDIA alliance, which is expected to win between 25 and 30 seats.

Smaller parties and independents are forecast to claim 1 to 4 seats, potentially playing a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.

The official results will be announced on November 23, but these early predictions suggest that the NDA is poised to displace the current JMM government in Jharkhand.

According to the Peoples Pulse Exit Poll, the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is on track for a decisive victory in Maharashtra's 2024 Assembly elections. The poll predicts the Mahayuti will secure between 175 and 195 seats, far surpassing the majority mark of 145 out of 288 seats.

In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is expected to win between 85 and 112 seats, trailing significantly behind the Mahayuti. Smaller parties and independents are forecasted to secure 7 to 12 seats.

The final results will be revealed on November 23, but these predictions suggest that the Mahayuti will comfortably retain power in the state.

According to the latest exit poll by Matrize, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised to secure a clear victory in Maharashtra, with projections ranging between 150 and 170 seats in the 288-member Assembly. This places the Mahayuti well ahead of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which is expected to win between 110 and 130 seats.

Smaller parties and independents are forecasted to win 8 to 10 seats, which could influence the final outcome, especially in a tightly contested Assembly.

These predictions suggest that the Mahayuti will likely retain control of the state, although the MVA is expected to mount a strong challenge.

Exit poll predictions for the Maharashtra Assembly elections indicate a closely fought battle between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The PMARQ survey projects the Mahayuti, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, to secure between 137 and 157 seats in the 288-member Assembly.

The MVA alliance, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, is expected to garner 126 to 146 seats, posing a strong challenge to the ruling coalition. Meanwhile, smaller parties and independent candidates are projected to win between 2 and 8 seats, potentially playing a crucial role in case of a hung Assembly.

The results will ultimately decide whether the Mahayuti retains power or if the MVA makes a comeback. All eyes are now on November 23, when the official results will be announced.

In a dramatic turn of events during the Jharkhand Assembly elections, a presiding officer in the Madhupur constituency was replaced following allegations of favoritism. Jharkhand BJP MP Nishikant Dubey lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, accusing the officer of favoring a candidate from the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA alliance.

Dubey alleged that the presiding officer acted in a manner that compromised the impartiality of the voting process. "We have filed a complaint against the officer for favoring the ruling party candidate. Such actions undermine the sanctity of our democratic system," Dubey stated.

The Election Commission acted swiftly, replacing the officer and initiating an inquiry into the allegations. Officials emphasized that strict measures are in place to ensure free and fair elections in the state.

Madhupur, part of the second phase of polling, has drawn significant attention as both the ruling alliance and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) vie for control in a closely contested election.

The final results, slated for November 23, are eagerly awaited, with exit polls expected to provide insights into the electoral mood later today.

The Gujarat and Phalodi (Rajasthan) Satta Bazaars have forecasted significant outcomes for the BJP in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, with the party expected to emerge as a key player in both states.

In Maharashtra, the BJP is projected to win 138-141 seats, according to betting trends, falling short of the 145-seat majority mark in the 288-member Assembly. This suggests a tight contest between the BJP-led Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

In Jharkhand, the BJP is anticipated to secure 45-47 seats, potentially crossing the majority mark of 41 in the 81-seat Assembly, indicating a tough challenge for the ruling JMM-led INDIA alliance.

Maharashtra’s local betting markets have also shown varied predictions for seat distributions among major parties, reflecting a closely contested electoral battle. These speculative trends add to the anticipation as official results are set to be declared on November 23, following the exit poll predictions.

The second phase of Jharkhand assembly elections has concluded across 38 constituencies in 12 districts, with a total voter turnout reaching 67.59 per cent by 5.00 pm.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that Jamtara achieved the highest participation at 76.16 per cent, with Pakur following at 75.88 per cent and Deoghar registering 72.46 per cent.

The lowest participation was observed in Bokaro at 60.97 per cent. Other districts showed varying turnouts: Dhanbad at 63.39 per cent, Dumka at 71.74 per cent, Giridih at 65.89 per cent, Godda at 67.24 per cent, Hazaribagh at 64.41 per cent, Ramgarh at 71.98 per cent, and Sahebganj at 65.63 per cent.

Voting across the 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra and 81Assembly seats in Jharkhand commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm today. Exit poll predictions will begin to roll in soon, offering early insights into the potential outcome of the election.

As of 5 PM, Maharashtra has recorded a voter turnout of 58.22%, according to data from the Election Commission of India. The turnout reflects the state's ongoing participation in the Assembly elections, with citizens actively engaging in the democratic process.

Polling stations will remain open for the remainder of the day, and the final turnout figure will be available once the voting concludes.

In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly elections, the JMM-led (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) alliance emerged victorious, securing a majority with 47 seats. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won 30 seats, the Congress bagged 16, and the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) secured 1 seat.

With a total of 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly, the majority mark stands at 41. The alliance’s victory marked a significant political shift in the state, paving the way for the JMM’s Hemant Soren to continue as Chief Minister.

As the 2024 exit polls roll in, the focus will be on whether the JMM-led alliance can maintain its stronghold or if new dynamics have altered voter preferences.

The key difference between an exit poll and an opinion poll lies in their timing and purpose.

Exit Poll: Conducted immediately after voters cast their ballots, typically outside polling stations. It asks voters which party or candidate they voted for and provides an early prediction of election results. Exit polls aim to forecast the outcome of an election before the official results are counted. While they offer real-time insights, they may have a margin of error due to factors such as sample size and voter behavior.

Opinion Poll: Conducted well before an election, often weeks or months in advance. It surveys a random sample of people to gauge public opinion on political issues, party preferences, or candidate popularity. Opinion polls provide insights into current trends but do not reflect actual voting behavior and are more focused on predicting future outcomes based on present-day opinions.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan, daughter and actor Suhana Khan, and son Aryan Khan, arrived together to cast their votes for the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The family’s presence at the polling station drew significant attention, with fans and media capturing the moment. Their participation highlights the importance of voter engagement in shaping the state’s political future.

Polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections is underway, with citizens across the state exercising their democratic rights.

The much-anticipated exit poll results for the 2024 Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections will begin to roll out after 6:30pm today. Polling in both states is set to conclude by 6pm, paving the way for survey results to provide an early glimpse into voter trends and potential outcomes.

Political parties and analysts are gearing up to analyze the data, which often shapes post-poll narratives and alliance strategies.

As Maharashtra braces for the 2024 Assembly election results, revisiting the 2019 outcome highlights the fractured mandate that reshaped the state's political landscape.

The 2019 Assembly polls concluded with a hung house. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party, securing 105 seats with a 25.75% vote share. The Shiv Sena followed with 56 seats and a 16.41% vote share. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress claimed 54 and 44 seats, respectively, with vote shares of 16.71% and 15.87%.

Smaller parties and Independents collectively accounted for the remaining 29 seats, emphasizing the diversity of Maharashtra's political terrain.

The 2019 results led to a dramatic political realignment, with the Shiv Sena breaking ties with the BJP to form a government with the NCP and Congress under the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. This backdrop sets the stage for the 2024 elections, with key questions surrounding alliances, voter sentiment, and the shifting dynamics of Maharashtra politics.