Maharashtra, holding the second-highest number of Lok Sabha seats post-Uttar Pradesh, has completed elections over five phases for its 48 constituencies. This election is particularly significant as it marks the first since the split of both the Shiv Sena and the NCP. The contest is set between the Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi fronts.
The state observed voter turnouts of 63.71%, 62.71%, 63.55%, 59.64%, and 54.33% across the respective five phases, averaging a total voter turnout of 60.78%. While all eyes are now on the June 4th verdict, the India Today-Axis My India exit polls have already hinted at the trends.
According to India Today-Axis My India exit polls, NDA could achieve a 46% vote share in Maharashtra, with the India Block projected to gain 43%. It's a close race, and seat estimates suggest NDA might secure 28 to 32 seats out of the 48, with the India Block securing 16 to 20 seats.
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
The BJP is expected to obtain 20-22 seats, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) 8-10 seats, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) 1-2 seats, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 3-5 seats, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) 9-11 seats, and Congress around 3-4 seats. The exit polls project a 46% vote share for NDA, 43% for India Block, with others accounting for 11%.
Source: aajtak
Vote Share Breakdown
The BJP may secure a 29% share, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) 13%, NCP (Ajit faction) 4%, Congress 14%, NCP (Sharad faction) 9%, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) - UBT 20%, and others 11%.
Source: aajtak
Hot Seat Highlights: Baramati
The Lok Sabha seat of Baramati in Maharashtra remains a hot contest, starring veteran leader Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule against Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar. Traditionally considered Sharad Pawar's stronghold, the electoral battle between sister-in-law and brother's wife makes this race particularly gripping.
Source: aajtak
Revisiting the Previous Election
In the intense face-off between the Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) and the Mahavikas Aghadi (Congress, NCP-SCP, Shiv Sena-UBT), the 2019 Lok Sabha elections witnessed the NDA alliance sweeping 41 out of the 48 seats. The UPA managed only 5 seats, while AIMIM and VBA, running in the alliance, secured a single seat. An independent candidate took home another seat.
