The Maharashtra Assembly Election results of 2024 have delivered a significant victory to the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, securing another term in power. The coalition, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Ajit Pawar, emerged victorious, leaving the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), with a considerable defeat【66†source】【67†source】.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Election Results
- Mahayuti’s Performance: The Mahayuti alliance claimed a commanding 132 seats, with the BJP alone securing 132 seats. This victory ensures another term for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the continuation of the Shiv Sena-led leadership. The NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) also contributed with a solid performance, winning 41 seats【66†source】.
- MVA’s Struggles: The MVA coalition faced setbacks, with Congress winning only 16 seats and Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20. This outcome marks a difficult moment for the opposition, as it fails to secure the majority needed for a strong government. The results signal a decline in the Congress’ influence within Maharashtra politics【67†source】【68†source】.
- Prominent Candidates: Key figures such as Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), and Ajit Pawar were crucial to the Mahayuti’s win. Ajit Pawar, in particular, outperformed his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, in Baramati, signaling his political dominance within the NCP【66†source】.
- Women’s Participation: Interestingly, a marked increase in female voter turnout has been noted as a contributing factor to the Mahayuti’s success. This demographic shift, combined with the “Ladki Bahin” initiative aimed at female empowerment, seems to have resonated with voters【67†source】.
Future Implications
- Chief Minister’s Role: The decision on the Chief Minister’s post remains a subject of internal discussion within the Mahayuti alliance, with both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar being prominent contenders. However, BJP’s leading position and Fadnavis’ public statements indicate that the party may continue to hold significant sway in the governance structure【67†source】.
- Electoral Strategy: The results highlight the growing influence of the BJP and its allies in Maharashtra, underscoring the importance of the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” mantra. The alliance’s successful strategies, especially in mobilizing female voters and playing on themes of religious and regional identity, were key to their victory【66†source】【67†source】.
Overall, the 2024 Maharashtra election results indicate that the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition continues to dominate the state’s political landscape, with significant ramifications for the opposition’s future strategies.
