Polling is in progress in Maharashtra and Jharkhand for crucial Assembly elections that will shape the political landscape in both states. While Maharashtra is voting in a single phase, Jharkhand is holding the second and final phase of its polls.

Voting began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. in Maharashtra and 5 p.m. in Jharkhand, except at 31 polling stations in Jharkhand, where voting ends at 4 p.m. Early turnout figures showed Maharashtra recording 6.61% and Jharkhand 12.71% voter participation by 9 a.m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens, particularly women and young voters, to cast their votes and strengthen democracy.

Maharashtra: Mahayuti vs. MVA Showdown

In Maharashtra, 4,136 candidates are contesting 288 seats. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP (149 seats), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena (81), and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction (59), faces the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, including Congress (101), Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (95), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction (86).

Campaigning saw top leaders like PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi addressing voters. Key issues included women’s welfare schemes from Mahayuti and the MVA's focus on caste-based census and social justice. Smaller parties like BSP and AIMIM also fielded candidates.

Polling in Maharashtra features over 1 lakh booths and includes 2,086 independent candidates, with significant competition from rebels in more than 150 constituencies.

Jharkhand: JMM-Congress-RJD vs. BJP-Led NDA

In Jharkhand, 528 candidates are contesting the final 38 of 81 constituencies. The JMM-Congress-RJD coalition seeks to retain power, while the BJP-led NDA aims to make gains.

High-profile candidates in this phase include Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, BJP state president Babulal Marandi, and Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto.

The BJP has criticized the Soren government on corruption and infiltration issues, while the INDIA bloc has focused on welfare schemes and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies.

Jharkhand has set up over 14,000 polling stations for 1.23 crore voters, including nearly 61 lakh women.

Key Background and Stakes

Maharashtra’s Assembly elections see an increase in candidates, up by 28% from 2019, while Jharkhand’s final phase includes 18 seats in the Santhal Pargana region and 18 in the North Chotanagpur division.

In 2019, the JMM alliance won 47 seats in Jharkhand, securing a majority, while the BJP slipped from 37 to 25 seats.

Counting for both states will take place on Saturday, determining the future of these politically significant regions.