Today marks a critical day for Maharashtra as the state holds assembly elections for 288 seats. With the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance determined to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance hoping for a strong comeback, the competition is intense. Over 4,000 candidates, including rebels from both alliances, are in the fray. Stay tuned for live updates as the voting process unfolds.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections: A Battle for Power
Background
Maharashtra, India's second most populous state, is set to hold elections for its 288-member Legislative Assembly on October 21, 2024. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Shiv Sena, aims to retain power, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, consisting of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress (INC), hopes to make a comeback.
Current Situation
Over 4,000 candidates, including rebels from both alliances, are contesting in the elections. The high-stakes contest has drawn intense competition, with both the Mahayuti and MVA alliances engaging in vigorous campaigning. The voting process has already begun and the results will be declared on October 24.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What is the Mahayuti alliance?
A: The Mahayuti alliance is a coalition of political parties led by the BJP. In Maharashtra, it includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and other smaller parties.
Q: What is the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance?
A: The Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance is a coalition of political parties led by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). In Maharashtra, it includes the Shiv Sena (Utt), the NCP, and the INC.
Q: Who is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
A: The incumbent Chief Minister of Maharashtra is Eknath Shinde of the BJP. He took office in June 2022 after the collapse of the previous MVA government led by Uddhav Thackeray.
Q: When were the last Maharashtra Assembly elections held?
A: The last Maharashtra Assembly elections were held on October 21, 2019. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won 161 seats, while the NCP and INC won 54 and 44 seats respectively.
Q: What are the key issues in the current elections?
A: The key issues in the current elections include unemployment, inflation, farmer distress, and corruption. Both the Mahayuti and MVA alliances have made promises to address these concerns.
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