In Maharashtra, the NDA is expected to emerge with a commanding lead, according to several exit polls. The state's political scene has been shaped by intense competition between the Mahayuti alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. Polling indicates that the NDA could secure between 150 to 160 seats, far surpassing the MVA, which is projected to win around 130 to 140 seats. With a majority mark of 145 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly, the NDA's projected tally suggests a comfortable win.
The shift in Maharashtra is particularly noteworthy due to the fracturing of key political parties, including the Shiv Sena and NCP, which had previously been major players in the state’s politics. This disruption, coupled with BJP's strong grassroots support, appears to have given the NDA a significant advantage. The state's voter turnout was reported to be robust, signaling a high level of engagement in this critical election.
In contrast, Jharkhand's political dynamics have seen a rise in the influence of the INDIA alliance, although the BJP-led NDA remains competitive. Exit polls in Jharkhand show a tight race, with predictions that the NDA could secure between 45 to 50 seats, surpassing the JMM-led alliance, which includes the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The JMM-led alliance is projected to win 35 to 38 seats, a considerable drop from its previous standing. However, some pollsters, like Axis My India, foresee a close retention of power by the JMM-led coalition, though the general trend favors a shift towards the NDA.
The Jharkhand election has been closely watched due to the significant political figures involved, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren and prominent BJP leaders like Babulal Marandi. The vote split and the rise of smaller parties, including the AJSU and JD(U), have further complicated the electoral map. Despite this, voter turnout has remained steady, with regions like Ranchi recording strong participation rates, indicating a high-stakes election with wide-reaching implications.