Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Maharashtra Assembly election results have garnered international attention, trending prominently in the United Kingdom as the BJP-led Mahayuti comfortably crossed the majority mark of 145 in the 288-seat assembly. As per the latest trends, Mahayuti is leading in 209 constituencies, with Eknath Shinde poised to continue as chief minister.
Global Interest in Maharashtra Elections
The results have sparked significant interest in the UK, with England dominating search trends and Scotland following closely. Maharashtra, known as India’s financial hub, boasts a robust economy, with a GSDP of approximately ₹2.89 lakh crore for 2022-2023. The election outcome is expected to impact not only the state’s populace but also the expatriate Indian community in the UK.
Mahayuti’s Stronghold and Voter Turnout
Despite allegations of anti-incumbency, the ruling BJP-led coalition witnessed robust voter support, achieving a 66.05% voter turnout, as per Election Commission of India data. This marked a rise from the 61.1% turnout recorded in the 2019 Assembly elections, reflecting heightened public engagement.
Opposition’s Struggle
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), failed to mount a successful challenge. The Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) contested 95 seats, and the NCP (SP) fielded 86 candidates. Smaller parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), with 237 candidates, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), with 17, also contested but failed to make a significant impact.
Implications of the Victory
This decisive win solidifies the BJP’s position in Maharashtra and sends a strong message ahead of key elections in other states. With Eknath Shinde’s leadership reaffirmed, the Mahayuti’s agenda is likely to dominate Maharashtra’s political and economic future.