Mahayuti gets thumbs-up

EXIT POLLS | Six give it clear majority, two plump for MVA and one proclaims hung house

- Ravikiran Deshmukh

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections have captured the nation's attention. with exit polls projecting a potential victory for the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.

If these predictions hold the implications could ripple far beyond the state, reshaping political alliances and strategies.

Of the nine exit polls released after Wednesday's polling, six forecast a clear majority for the Mahayuti, while two favor the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The remaining survey predicts a hung assembly, adding intrigue to an already charged political atmosphere.

Surveys conducted by Poll Diary, Chanakya Strategies, Matriz, People Pulse, P-Marq, and CNX indicate that the Mahayuti will secure a comfortable majority, with projections ranging from 122 to 195. In contrast, SAS Group and Electoral Age give the edge to the MVA, projecting seat between 147 and 155 seats. Lok Shahi Marathi-Rudra stands apart, suggesting a hung assembly with both alliances within striking distance of forming the government.

Poll Diary predicts the Mahayuti winning between 122 and 180 seats, with BJP emerging as the single largest party with 77-108 seats.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction is expected to secure 27-50 seats, while deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's NCP faction might claim 18-28. On the other hand, the MVA could win 69-121 seats, with Congress (28-47), Shiv Sena (UBT) (16-35), and Sharad Pawar's NCP (25-39) splitting the tally.