NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are on track to reclaim power in Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state, as preliminary results showed the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance leading in 221 out of 288 seats, local media reported on November 23. The opposition Congress Party and its allies trailed with leads in just 55 constituencies.
This anticipated victory in Maharashtra, which includes the financial hub Mumbai, comes as a significant boost for Modi after his party lost its parliamentary majority in general elections earlier this year, forcing him to rely on smaller, unpredictable allies to form a government.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, celebrated the alliance’s strong performance, stating on social media platform X, “The Mahayuti government has achieved undisputed and resounding success.” State election victories like this one are crucial for political parties, as they help strengthen their representation in the upper house of parliament, which is key for advancing legislative agendas.
Meanwhile, in the eastern state of Jharkhand, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, aligned with the Congress-led opposition, appears set to retain power by defeating the BJP and its partners, according to media projections.
Both Maharashtra and Jharkhand have seen parties campaigning heavily on promises targeting critical voting blocs, including farmers and women. Official election results for both states are expected later on November 23.