Election Results 2024 Live | NDA Sweep In Maharashtra, JMM+ Keeps Jharkhand; PM Modi Thanks Maharashtra Voters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The Prime Minister said that Maharashtra has strengthened the 'Viksit Bharat' resolution.

He said that the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has broken all the records. "This is the biggest win for any party or no pre-poll alliance in the last 50 years. This is the third successive time, under the BJP leadership, an alliance will form government in Maharashtra. This is also the third time, that the BJP has emerged as the single largest party. The BJP alone got several more seats than combined seats given to Congress and their allies," the Prime Minister.

He also thanked the voters of Jharkhand, where the Jharkhand Mukti-Morcha-led alliance retained power.

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda has arrived at party headquarters in Delhi to celebrate the party's victory in the Maharashtra Election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to reach the venue where he will address a gathering of the party workers this evening.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on MVA's defeat in Maharashtra: "We will definitely analyse the result that has come. But today we can say that even those who won did not anticipate that this result would come. We were assuming that we would get the mandate. The farmers of Maharashtra are angry, and the working class of Maharashtra is against the government. The atmosphere that was there in Maharashtra 4-5 months ago, is the same atmosphere is there today too, we were assuming this and everyone accepted this. But the results that have come are completely opposite to this. But this does not mean that we will step back from our agenda... somewhere there is a conspiracy to defeat us... The result of Maharashtra is very strange, I cannot use any other word for it, it is absolutely strange..."

Jharkhand Chief Minister CM Hemant Soren Saturday thanked the people, especially farmers and women of the state for voting in the favour of JMM+ alliance. Addressing a press briefing, Soren also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on the victory.

"Today the results of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections have come...I want to thank the people of all communities and all the farmers, women and youth of the state for casting their votes with the majority and making this election successful...I also thank all the leaders who were there in the field and took the power of democracy to the people...We are waiting for the complete result which will be soon announced...After that, we will take a further decision...The INDIA alliance performance has been very good, I have come to know this...I want to thank you all for the support..."

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray dubbed the results in Maharashtra as extremely surprising. "It is extremely surprising result. I congratulate all the winning candidates. If you see, it was a tsunami more than a wave. This is a step towards - one nation one election and one party. We will have to learn the secrets behind the results. We will keep fighting for the people of Maharashtra," Uddhav told reporters in Mumbai.

He hoped that the Mahayuti government would fulfill all the promises, which have been made. He took a dig at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde saying that he will have to work under Devendra Fadnavis and he must choose his bungalow (official residence). He said that he has not spoken to senior Congress and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leaders.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's brother Basant Soren won the Dumka assembly seat by 14,588 votes on Saturday, according to the Election Commission. BJP candidate Sunil Soren was in second place in the seat, securing 81,097 votes. The JMM candidate got 95,685 votes. Basant Soren won the Dumka seat in a bypoll in 2020, defeating BJP's Lois Marandi by 6,842 votes.

In 2019, Hemant Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both. Later, he vacated the Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll. Meanwhile, state minister Rameshwar Oraon of the Congress won from Lohardaga seat, defeating AJSU Party's Neeru Shanti Bhagat by 34,670 votes, as per the EC. (PTI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the results of the assembly elections were historic and decided whom the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena belong to.

Holding a joint press conference here as the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition was poised to win a massive victory, the leaders of the Mahayuti assured that the next government will be formed smoothly.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the people rejected the politics of appeasement and responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's `Ek Hai toh Safe Hai' message of unity. NCP chief and deputy CM Ajit Pawar averred that the ruling alliance will not get carried away by the landslide win, and will bring financial discipline.

Referring to the poor showing of the rival factions, both Shinde and Ajit Pawar said the results showed to whom the Shiv Sena and NCP belong. "After all the results are declared, our MLAs will come to Mumbai, and all three parties will elect their leaders," Fadnavis said. Shinde pointed out that the three parties had finalised their seat-sharing amicably, and said the government formation process would not face any hindrance. They learnt lessons from the Lok Sabha debacle and took corrective steps, Ajit Pawar said.

Former minister and sitting Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur lost to her BJP rival by a margin of 7,974 votes in the Teosa assembly constituency in Amravati district. BJP's Rajesh Wankhede bagged 99,099 votes against three-time MLA Thakur's 91,125 votes as counting ended in 23 rounds, an election official said. In the Achalpur constituency in the district, Prahar Janshakti Party's four-time MLA Bachchu Kadu lost to BJP's Pravin Tayade by 12,131 votes. Tayade polled 78,201 votes, while Kadu managed 66,070 votes. (PTI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde retains Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat in Thane district by a margin of 1,20,717 votes: ECI

Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil retains the Islampur seat in the Sangli district with a victory margin of 13,027 votes, according to Election Commission of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the people of Maharashtra for the "historic mandate" to the NDA and also reacted to JMM's victory in Jharkhand. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi said:

"Development wins! Good governance wins! United we will soar even higher! Heartfelt gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra, especially the youth and women of the state, for a historic mandate to the NDA. This affection and warmth is unparalleled. I assure the people that our Alliance will keep working for Maharashtra’s progress. Jai Maharashtra!"

"NDA’s pro-people efforts resonate all over! I thank people across various states for blessing NDA candidates in the various by-polls held. We will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations."

"I am proud of every NDA Karyakarta for their efforts on the ground. They worked hard, went among people and elaborated on our good governance agenda."

"I thank the people of Jharkhand for their support towards us. We will always be at the forefront of raising people’s issues and working for the state. I also congratulate the JMM-led alliance for their performance in the state."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 24 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections so far and is leading in 106 others, while allies Shiv Sena and NCP bagged 15 and 14 seats respectively.

The prominent winning candidates from the BJP include sitting MLA Nitesh Rane, who retained the Kankavli assembly seat in Sindhudurg district by a margin of 58,007 votes, state assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, who won the Colaba seat by 48,581, and Shivendraraje Bhonsle from Satara who retained the seat by a significant margin of 1,42,124 votes.

Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil retained the Shirdi seat by a difference of 70,282 votes. From the Shiv Sena, Nilesh Rane, the elder son of BJP MP Narayan Rane, won by a margin of 8,176 votes. State ministers from the party, Uday Samant and Deepak Kesarkar won from Ratnagiri and Sawantwadi constituencies by a margin of 41,590 votes and 39,899 votes respectively.

The Shiv Sena has won 15 seats and is leading in 39 others. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar won 14 seats and is leading in 27 others. Deputy speaker of Maharashtra assembly Narhari Zirwal won the Dindori constituency in Nashik district by 44,403 votes. Aditi Tatkare won from Shrivardhan constituency in Raigad district by a margin of 82,798 votes. (PTI)

CPI(ML) Liberation's Chandradeo Mahato on Saturday won the Sindri assembly seat in Jharkhand, defeating BJP’s Tara Devi by a margin of 3,448 votes, the Election Commission said. Mahato polled 1,05,136 votes while Devi secured 1,01,688. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate Usha Devi secured third position with 42,664 votes.

As JMM-led Mahagathbandhan continues its lead in Jharkhand, party candidate from Gandey and CM Hemant Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren says "I want to thank the people of Gandhey, Giridih and the people of the state for showering love on me and blessing me like their daughter..."

In a setback to the Congress in Maharashtra, senior party leaders Prithviraj Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat were defeated in the Karad (south) and Sangamner assembly constituencies respectively as counting entered its final stages.

Former chief minister Chavan (78) lost by 38,545 votes to BJP's Atul Bhosale as the 17th round of counting ended with just one more round to go. Thorat lost to Shiv Sena's Amol Khatal by a margin of 10,560 votes. In Bhor constituency, sitting Congress MLA Sangram Thopate is trailing behind NCP candidate Shankar Mandekar. Mandekar has taken a lead of 19,683 votes against Thopate.

Speaking on BJP-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said all three parties (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) will decide who will be the next chief minister of the state.

Given that it was the BJP that led the massive victory with leads in 125 seats, Fadnavis is the most likely name as far as the Chief Minister post is concerned. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, "There is no conflict on the post of the Chief Minister. It is clear right from day one, that all the three parties will sit together and decide the face of the Chief Minister after the polls."

He also said that the Mahayuti would respect the opposition. "People have given their mandate. The original legitimacy of NCP has been given to Ajit Pawar. Our track record is good, people have seen it and voted for it. People have shown that the legitimacy of Shiv Sena has come to Eknath Shinde," Fadnavis said.

He also said that Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah expressed happiness over the Mahayuti win. "Amitbhai (Shah) expressed happiness. The Maratha community and the OBC community are with us. I have not taken any revenge. In politics, people choose their leaders. I am not Chanakya, I am an ordinary party worker. My contribution to this victory is very little," he said.

He also took a dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut saying, "I never comment Sanjay Raut. In Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won, and the Election Commission was fair. However, in Maharashtra, when we have won, the Election Commission is biased."

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has won the Worli Assembly seat in a tight contest with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Milind Deora. As per the Election Commission update at 3.08 pm, Aditya Thackeray had polled 60,606 votes winning by a margin of 8,408. Aditya, son of Uddhav, was a sitting MLA and sought re-election, this time on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. In 2019, he was elected to the seat from the undivided Shiv Sena. Read More...

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Jay Pawar suggested his father's name for Chief Minister as BJP-led Mahayuti was set to register a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election.

On being asked about NCP workers wanting his father to be the CM, Jay said," Of course, even I feel the same way...About the results, the elder leaders will take that decision. But every Baramatikar does want to see Dada as the chief minister..."

"I am really happy with the results. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our voters because they all have entrusted the Mahayuti again. In the next five years, we all will work hand in hand for the progress of the state and our Taluka...All the Baramatikars are Dada's and my family and as they gave respect to Saheb during Lok Sabha (polls) they have respect to Dada during Vidhan Sabha because they know the work he has done for the Taluka," he said.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena of Raj Thackeray and Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi failed to make an impact in the state assembly polls as trends showed the ruling Mahayuti cruising to a landslide victory. Parties like the Samajwadi Party and All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen were in a slightly better position.

While the MNS had fielded 125 candidates, the VBA had 200 candidates in the fray. The bad news for the MNS was compounded with Amit Thackeray, son of the party chief, trailing at third place in Mahim seat in Mumbai.

The Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Paksha, which had fielded 19 candidates, also failed to make any impact. It is known to have influence among farmers, especially in western Maharashtra. Incidentally, on the eve of counting of votes, Ambedkar had claimed his party would get a sizable number of seats and would get to choose which side can form the government.

As per trends made available on the EC website, the Samajwadi Party, Jan Surajya Shakti and CPM were leading in two seats each while the AIMIM, Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party, Peasants and Workers Party and Rajashri Shahu Vikas Aghadi were leading on one seat each. A total of 158 parties contested the November 20 assembly polls.

The main fight is between the Mahayuti comprising BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi consisting of the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT). (PTI)

As Mahayuti is set to form the government in Maharashtra, BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh said it was the "victory of the work done by our government in Maharashtra and the work done for every section under the leadership of PM Modi".

"This is the victory of development... In the by-elections also, BJP has won one-sidedly in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is a big victory. Congress has been wiped out," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated Devendra Fadnavis as the Mahayuti retained power in Maharashtra. The Mahayuti was heading for a landslide victory as it was ahead on 224 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

NCP's Aditi Sunil Tatkare wins the Shrivardhan seat by a margin of 82,798 votes. Aditi, daughter of NCP Maharashtra chief and Raigad Lok Sabha MP polled 116050 votes. Aditi thus managed to retain the seat in the battle between the two NCPs. Her nearest rival - Anil Dattaram Navgane, who was fielded by the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). Navgane managed to poll only 33252 votes.

In Congress’s bastion Sangamner, Balasaheb Thorat who has won eight times consecutively was defeated by first-time candidate Amol Dhondiba Khatal of the Shiv Sena in Sangamner in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections.

CPI leader D Raja on Saturday said that the INDIA alliance in Jharkhand will be forming the government, noting that the people of Jharkhand were not convinced by the campaigning of the BJP in the state.

He noted that the issues of infiltration and corruption raised by the BJP leaders in Jharkhand could not convince the people. He claimed that the issue of infiltration was the responsibility of the Union Government and that they should be held responsible if there was any infiltration.

"These are all early trends. If these trends continue, then in Maharashtra, the BJP and its allies will win and form the government. As far as Jharkhand is concerned, JMM, Congress, and its allies are sure to form the government. Let us wait for the final outcome and the verdict of the people of Maharashtra and Jharkhand," the CPI leader said.

"The people of Jharkhand are not at all convinced by the campaign unleashed by the BJP and its leaders. The way they were raising the issue of infiltration and corruption could not convince the people of Jharkhand. If infiltration is the issue, then who should be held responsible other than the Union Government...They must be held responsible if there is infiltration," he added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the poll trends were in favour of the Mahayuti because of his flagship initiative, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. He said the people of the state have responded to the welfare schemes with their votes.

The early trends have indicated that the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, will retain the power in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, "I thank all my ladki bahins (dear sisters) in the state and the brothers who voted in large numbers for us. The voting trend is an endorsement of our work." Read More...

Reacting to Maharashtra Assembly Election results, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis wrote in Hindi on X,'Ek He To Safe Hai, Modi He To Mumkin Hai.'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis and congratulated them.

"I thank the voters of Maharashtra because this is a landslide victory. I had said that Mahayuti will get a thumping majority and that's why I thank Ladli Bahina, farmers, brothers, senior citizens... all sections of the society. People have approved the work done by the Mahayuti in the last 2.5 years," said Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. 'Let the final results come in...Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision,' added Eknath Shinde.

BJP legislator Pravin Darekar on Saturday demanded that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis be appointed as the next chief minister of the state with early trends in the counting of votes for the assembly elections suggesting a win for the Mahayuti combine.

In the alliance, the party that secures the highest number of seats will be entitled to get the chief minister's post, he asserted.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in the state, and was leading in 218 of the 288 assembly seats, as per the latest figures in the counting of votes by the Election Commission. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats.

As per ECI figures, in the Mahayuti, BJP candidates were leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena in 55 and NCP in 35 seats.

Talking to reporters, BJP MLC Darekar said, "Based on the current trends, I believe that the BJP will be the single largest party and Devendra Fadnavis should become the chief minister. The election was contested under his leadership, and he called for a 'dharma yuddha' in these assembly polls."

"I cannot express my gratitude to people," he said.

When asked about the current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose party Shiv Sena is an ally of the BJP, Darekar said, "As part of the alliance, the party that secures the most seats will be entitled to the post of Chief Minister."

JMM-led INDIA bloc was leading in 50 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the NDA was ahead in 30, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website on Saturday. Counting of votes began at 8 AM. According to trends, INDIA bloc was leading in 50 seats — JMM 30, Congress 14 and allies 6 — and NDA in 30 till noon. Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 8,202 votes over BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom after the third round of counting. JMM legislator and wife of Jharkhand CM Kalpana Soren was trailing by 3,019 votes against BJP’s Muniya Devi after fourth round. BJP state chief Babulal Marandi was leading by 8,720 votes over CPIML’s Rajkumar Yadav after second round of counting. Former CM and BJP nominee Champai Soren was leading by 8,542 votes in Seraikela against JMM's Ganesh Mahli after third round.

When asked if any 'precautions' would be taken to safeguard their MLAs, former State Congress chief Rajesh Thakur says, "Predators would come and lay a bait. We are prepared for that. Nobody would dare to do this in Jharkhand. CM Hemant Soren was jailed for destabilising the Government, even at that time we thwarted all such attempts. They should not dare to do this now. If they dare to do that, they would be given a betting reply." On JMM-led Mahagathbandhan's lead, he says, "This was bound to happen. The manner in which we have taken schemes to the people, they have awarded us for that. We did what we used to say. The results of all of this is going to come today. As per the trends so far, we can see ourselves forming the Government once again with the majority...Formation of our Government is certain..."

On the upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand election results, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said on Friday that the INDI alliance's naked dance of communalism in Maharashtra could be the reason of their defeat. Singh said, "I am sure we will win in both Jharkhand and Maharashtra. This INDI alliance has done a naked dance of communalism in Maharashtra. Maharashtra has not accepted it. Let Lalu Yadav be happy in believing that the INDI alliance is winning in Jharkhand."

Kalidas Nilkanth Kolambkar of BJP won the Wadala seat, the first result announced in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in Maharashtra, and was leading in 218 of the 288 assembly seats, as per figures of early trends in the counting the latest figures by the Election Commission.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats, as per the early trends.

Indicating a landslide victory for the ruling alliance, TV channels said the Mahayuti was ahead in 222 seats and MVA in 56 constituencies, as counting of votes commenced Saturday morning in the November 20 elections.

As per ECI figures, in the Mahayuti, BJP candidates were leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena in 55 and NCP in 35 seats.

In the MVA, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) candidates were leading in 13 seats, Congress in 20 and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in 17 seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were leading in their respective assembly constituencies in the first round of the counting of votes.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and sitting MLA Aaditya Thackeray was leading in Worli assembly seat in Mumbai by 495 votes, the poll officials said.

Congress Legislature Party leader and former minister Balasaheb Thorat was trailing in Sangamner assembly seat by 1,831 votes.

The counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections began at 8 am Saturday, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019.

In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.

In the MVA combine, the Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) put up 86 candidates.

Following is the party position in the outgoing assembly: BJP 105, Shiv Sena 41, NCP 40, Congress 45, Shiv Sena (UBT) 15, NCP (SP) 12, BVA 3, Samajwadi Party 2, AIMIM 2, Prahar Janshakti Party 2, MNS 1, CPM 1, PWP 1, Swabhimani Paksh 1, Rashtriya Samaj Paksh 1, Jan Surajya Shakti 1, Krantikari Shetkari Paksh 1 and Independents 13.

Samajwadi Party's Abu Azmi leading, NCP's Nawab malik trailing in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly constituency in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena's Milind Deora leading, Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray trailing in Worli Assembly constituency, as per Election Commission

Supporters of Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar burst crackers and celebrate outside a counting centre in Baramati.

As Mahayuti has crossed halfway mark in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut says, "They have done some 'gadbad', they have stolen some of our seats...This cannot be the public's decision. even the public does not agree with these results. Once the results are out, we will talk more. In every election seat, money-counting machines were installed. Is it possible that Shinde gets 60 seats, Ajit Pawar gets 40 seats and BJP gets 125 seats? The people of this state are not dishonest. We have their faith on the people of Maharashtra."

Kalpana Soren, wife of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren & JMM candidate for Gandey assembly trailing by a margin of 3128 votes, after round 1/21 of counting as per the latest EC data. JMM-led Mahagathbandhan has crossed the majority mark in the state as per official EC trends, currently leading on 51 of the 81 seats.

"The results are still coming in, and the NDA is set to form a government in Maharashtra with a massive majority under the leadership of PM Modi... In Jharkhand as well, we are hopeful that the people will uproot the JMM," said BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance crossed the halfway mark at 10 am leading in 172 seats so far, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is trailing with 47 seats as per trends by the Elections Commission of India. According to initial results, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is leading in 53 seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 33, and the BJP has the most, leading in 100 seats, while the Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party (RYSWP), party of the maha Yuti alliance has one seat.
Meanwhile, in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) is leading in 12 seats, Congress in 17 seats, and the UBT Sena in 18 seats. Samajwadi Party, which is part of the Aghadi alliance notched up 2 seats

Mahagathbandhan (43) crosses the halfway mark of 40 (JMM 24, Congress 11, RJD 6, CPI(ML)(L) 2) NDA leading on 26 seats (BJP 24, AJSUP 1, JDU 1)

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 2,812 votes over BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom. In 2019, Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both by a margin of 25,740 votes and 13,188 votes respectively. Later, he vacated Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll. Soren had to resign as the CM shortly before his arrest on January 31 by the ED in a money laundering case.

He was released from jail on June 28 after being granted bail by the high court. On July 3, he was elected as the JMM's legislature party leader. Champai Soren subsequently submitted his resignation as the CM to the governor, paving the way for Hemant Soren to be sworn in as chief minister for a third time.

Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat trails in Sangamner assembly seat by 1,831 votes at end of first round: Poll officials.

BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha says, "In the leadership of PM Modi, we will get more than 160 seats in Maharashtra..."

Senior Congress leader and ex-Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan trailing by 1,590 votes in Karad South assembly seat: Poll officials.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde leading by over 4,000 votes from Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat at the end of first round: Poll officials.

The BJP was leading in 25 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the JMM was ahead in 10 as the counting of postal ballots was underway on Saturday, TV channels reported. The counting of votes began at 8 AM.

The Election Commission, however, is yet to come out with any trend as of now on its website. The assembly elections were held in two phases - November 13 and 20. Forty-three seats went to polls in the first round and 38 in the second. (PTI)

The administration in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has banned victory processions today when the results of the state assembly elections will be declared. District collector Dilip Swami held a meeting with top police officials on Friday, a day before the counting of votes.

In a video message released after the meeting, Swami said, "I have spoken to the top police officials from the city as well as rural parts of the district. When the results come out, the situation turns a little tense. So in order to avoid law and order issues, we are not going to allow any victory procession on the result day." "Sometimes, party workers come together and sometimes their coming together turns into a procession. We are not going to allow that also. Later, once everything is peaceful, we will allow the processions. We have issued prohibitory orders accordingly," he said.

Counting of votes for 81 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand began at 8 AM on Saturday, Election Commission officials said. The elections were held in two phases - November 13 and 20. The first round of polls covered 43 constituencies, while the second and final phase saw voting in 38 seats.

"Counting began at 8 AM at all 24 centres. Postal ballots are being taken up first. Counting of votes polled in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) will begin at 8.30 AM and first trends are likely by 9.30 AM," an official said. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said the counting is likely to be completed by 4 PM.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance was leading in 31 of the 288 seats in the state and the Maha Vikas Aghadi in 18 as counting of votes commenced Saturday morning in the November 20 elections. The Mahayuti was leading in 26 seats after counting of postal ballots commenced, TV channels reported. There was no word yet from the Election Commission.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole was leading in Sakoli after counting of postal ballots commenced, a channel said. BJP’s Vijaykumar Gavit was ahead after the postal ballots counting began, it added. Counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections began Saturday morning, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is seeking to make a comeback.

The counting of votes in all the 288 seats commenced at 8 am in all the counting centres in the state, an election official said. At the counting centres, officials first began verifying and counting the postal ballots, with the counting of EVM votes scheduled to start at 8.30 am. There will be a minimum of 20 rounds of counting in each assembly segment.

The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019. In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. In the MVA combine, the Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) put up 86 candidates. (PTI)

The counting of votes for the Maharshtra Assembly Election began on Saturday morning. The fate of candidates on all 288 Assembly seats is to be decided. Visuals from the strong room at a counting centre for the Baramati Assembly constituency. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar of NCP (Mahayuti) contested against Yugendra Shriniwas Pawar of NCP-SCP (Maha Vikas Aghadi) in Baramati.

BJP candidate from Saraikela assembly constituency and former Chief Minister, Champai Soren on Saturday exuded hope in BJP poll prospects in Jharkhand. "BJP is going to win, there is no doubt. BJP-NDA is going to form the government...People have voted in favour of the BJP. The biggest issue in Jharkhand has been the Bangladeshi infiltrators...The population of Bangladeshi infiltrators is increasing rapidly. In this election, BJP is going to form the government, it will be clear in the next 1-1.5 hours...", he added. On CM face in Jharkhand, Champai Soren, who has recently switched to BJP from JMM, said, "BJP is the largest party in the country. It will be decided by the party and then there will be a discussion between the MLAs..."

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that they are very confident of winning the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections as the INDIA bloc fought the poll together, and the atmosphere is in their favour. Speaking to ANI, Gehlot refuted exit polls that have predicted a win for the BJP-led NDA in both the poll-bound states.

"If the exit polls are speaking against us, they were in our favour in Haryana. When the results start coming, we will know the situation. We are fully confident that the people have given their blessings to the India block. INDIA Bloc fought the elections together and the atmosphere is in our favour," he said.

The former Rajasthan Chief Minister also slammed the BJP and said, "Our effort is to maintain harmony in democracy but the party in power always polarises. They create an environment of unrest."

Ahead of the counting of votes for the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Election, JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said on Saturday morning that the party is confident of Hemant Soren's victory as people have reposed their faith in the party.

"There is a clear voice from the people of Jharkhand - Iss baar phir Hemant dobara. Women, students and people of Jharkhand have reposed their faith and we trust them. The excitement that was seen during campaigning and the day of elections clearly shows that we are coming to power again with an absolute majority," Pandey said.

Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi says he was confident of the saffron party's win in the state as the counting of votes takes place shortly from now. "We are sure that we will form the government and BJP-led NDA will get more than 51 seats. People have voted for NDA as they are fed up with the current government's corruption," he said while speaking to the media on Saturday morning.

On the eve of the counting of votes, the Congress Maharashtra in charge Ramesh Chennithala held a Zoom meeting with all the assembly poll candidates in the state. The Congress had fielded 103 candidates for the November 20 polls. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Later, the party's core group held a meeting to discuss government formation and steps to be taken for the security of MLAs to avoid poaching, senior leader Naseem Khan said. Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut has also said MVA plans to keep all newly elected MLAs under one roof and make provisions for their accommodation. He also said the MVA would win 160 seats, adding that the plan was to form the government before November 26.

Visuals from many counting centres in Maharashtra surfaced on Saturday morning ahead of the counting for the 288 assembly seats that went to the polls on November 20. The counting is expected to begin at 8 am today. Counting of votes will also be held for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll, where 67.81 per cent voting was recorded on November 20.

Kolhapur district led with 76.63 per cent polling, followed by 75.26 per cent in Gadchiroli, which has some Left Wing Extremism affected pockets, while the lowest was in Mumbai island city at 52.07 per cent. Mumbai suburban district recorded 55.95 per cent polling. A total of 288 counting centres have been set up for the counting of votes today, including one for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll. The high volume of postal ballots has led to the establishment of 1,732 tables for postal ballot counting and 592 tables for Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to ensure a smooth counting process across all assembly constituencies, an official said.

Kedar Dighe, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate who is pitted against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat in Thane, has alleged irregularities in the post-voting process, including storing EVMs in the observation room instead of the strong room.

Dighe claimed that the observation room did not have CCTV coverage, showing videos to reporters to buttress his allegations. "The envelopes containing postal ballots are not sealed. The Election Commission must look into these irregularities and take action against the personnel. It should order repoll in the seat," Dighe said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The Prime Minister said that Maharashtra has strengthened the 'Viksit Bharat' resolution.

He said that the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has broken all the records. "This is the biggest win for any party or no pre-poll alliance in the last 50 years. This is the third successive time, under the BJP leadership, an alliance will form government in Maharashtra. This is also the third time, that the BJP has emerged as the single largest party. The BJP alone got several more seats than combined seats given to Congress and their allies," the Prime Minister.

He also thanked the voters of Jharkhand, where the Jharkhand Mukti-Morcha-led alliance retained power.

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda has arrived at party headquarters in Delhi to celebrate the party's victory in the Maharashtra Election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to reach the venue where he will address a gathering of the party workers this evening.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on MVA's defeat in Maharashtra: "We will definitely analyse the result that has come. But today we can say that even those who won did not anticipate that this result would come. We were assuming that we would get the mandate. The farmers of Maharashtra are angry, and the working class of Maharashtra is against the government. The atmosphere that was there in Maharashtra 4-5 months ago, is the same atmosphere is there today too, we were assuming this and everyone accepted this. But the results that have come are completely opposite to this. But this does not mean that we will step back from our agenda... somewhere there is a conspiracy to defeat us... The result of Maharashtra is very strange, I cannot use any other word for it, it is absolutely strange..."

Jharkhand Chief Minister CM Hemant Soren Saturday thanked the people, especially farmers and women of the state for voting in the favour of JMM+ alliance. Addressing a press briefing, Soren also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on the victory.

"Today the results of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections have come...I want to thank the people of all communities and all the farmers, women and youth of the state for casting their votes with the majority and making this election successful...I also thank all the leaders who were there in the field and took the power of democracy to the people...We are waiting for the complete result which will be soon announced...After that, we will take a further decision...The INDIA alliance performance has been very good, I have come to know this...I want to thank you all for the support..."

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray dubbed the results in Maharashtra as extremely surprising. "It is extremely surprising result. I congratulate all the winning candidates. If you see, it was a tsunami more than a wave. This is a step towards - one nation one election and one party. We will have to learn the secrets behind the results. We will keep fighting for the people of Maharashtra," Uddhav told reporters in Mumbai.

He hoped that the Mahayuti government would fulfill all the promises, which have been made. He took a dig at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde saying that he will have to work under Devendra Fadnavis and he must choose his bungalow (official residence). He said that he has not spoken to senior Congress and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leaders.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's brother Basant Soren won the Dumka assembly seat by 14,588 votes on Saturday, according to the Election Commission. BJP candidate Sunil Soren was in second place in the seat, securing 81,097 votes. The JMM candidate got 95,685 votes. Basant Soren won the Dumka seat in a bypoll in 2020, defeating BJP's Lois Marandi by 6,842 votes.

In 2019, Hemant Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both. Later, he vacated the Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll. Meanwhile, state minister Rameshwar Oraon of the Congress won from Lohardaga seat, defeating AJSU Party's Neeru Shanti Bhagat by 34,670 votes, as per the EC. (PTI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the results of the assembly elections were historic and decided whom the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena belong to.

Holding a joint press conference here as the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition was poised to win a massive victory, the leaders of the Mahayuti assured that the next government will be formed smoothly.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the people rejected the politics of appeasement and responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's `Ek Hai toh Safe Hai' message of unity. NCP chief and deputy CM Ajit Pawar averred that the ruling alliance will not get carried away by the landslide win, and will bring financial discipline.

Referring to the poor showing of the rival factions, both Shinde and Ajit Pawar said the results showed to whom the Shiv Sena and NCP belong. "After all the results are declared, our MLAs will come to Mumbai, and all three parties will elect their leaders," Fadnavis said. Shinde pointed out that the three parties had finalised their seat-sharing amicably, and said the government formation process would not face any hindrance. They learnt lessons from the Lok Sabha debacle and took corrective steps, Ajit Pawar said.

Former minister and sitting Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur lost to her BJP rival by a margin of 7,974 votes in the Teosa assembly constituency in Amravati district. BJP's Rajesh Wankhede bagged 99,099 votes against three-time MLA Thakur's 91,125 votes as counting ended in 23 rounds, an election official said. In the Achalpur constituency in the district, Prahar Janshakti Party's four-time MLA Bachchu Kadu lost to BJP's Pravin Tayade by 12,131 votes. Tayade polled 78,201 votes, while Kadu managed 66,070 votes. (PTI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde retains Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat in Thane district by a margin of 1,20,717 votes: ECI

Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil retains the Islampur seat in the Sangli district with a victory margin of 13,027 votes, according to Election Commission of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the people of Maharashtra for the "historic mandate" to the NDA and also reacted to JMM's victory in Jharkhand. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi said:

"Development wins! Good governance wins! United we will soar even higher! Heartfelt gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra, especially the youth and women of the state, for a historic mandate to the NDA. This affection and warmth is unparalleled. I assure the people that our Alliance will keep working for Maharashtra’s progress. Jai Maharashtra!"

"NDA’s pro-people efforts resonate all over! I thank people across various states for blessing NDA candidates in the various by-polls held. We will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations."

"I am proud of every NDA Karyakarta for their efforts on the ground. They worked hard, went among people and elaborated on our good governance agenda."

"I thank the people of Jharkhand for their support towards us. We will always be at the forefront of raising people’s issues and working for the state. I also congratulate the JMM-led alliance for their performance in the state."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 24 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections so far and is leading in 106 others, while allies Shiv Sena and NCP bagged 15 and 14 seats respectively.

The prominent winning candidates from the BJP include sitting MLA Nitesh Rane, who retained the Kankavli assembly seat in Sindhudurg district by a margin of 58,007 votes, state assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, who won the Colaba seat by 48,581, and Shivendraraje Bhonsle from Satara who retained the seat by a significant margin of 1,42,124 votes.

Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil retained the Shirdi seat by a difference of 70,282 votes. From the Shiv Sena, Nilesh Rane, the elder son of BJP MP Narayan Rane, won by a margin of 8,176 votes. State ministers from the party, Uday Samant and Deepak Kesarkar won from Ratnagiri and Sawantwadi constituencies by a margin of 41,590 votes and 39,899 votes respectively.

The Shiv Sena has won 15 seats and is leading in 39 others. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar won 14 seats and is leading in 27 others. Deputy speaker of Maharashtra assembly Narhari Zirwal won the Dindori constituency in Nashik district by 44,403 votes. Aditi Tatkare won from Shrivardhan constituency in Raigad district by a margin of 82,798 votes. (PTI)

CPI(ML) Liberation's Chandradeo Mahato on Saturday won the Sindri assembly seat in Jharkhand, defeating BJP’s Tara Devi by a margin of 3,448 votes, the Election Commission said. Mahato polled 1,05,136 votes while Devi secured 1,01,688. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate Usha Devi secured third position with 42,664 votes.

As JMM-led Mahagathbandhan continues its lead in Jharkhand, party candidate from Gandey and CM Hemant Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren says "I want to thank the people of Gandhey, Giridih and the people of the state for showering love on me and blessing me like their daughter..."

In a setback to the Congress in Maharashtra, senior party leaders Prithviraj Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat were defeated in the Karad (south) and Sangamner assembly constituencies respectively as counting entered its final stages.

Former chief minister Chavan (78) lost by 38,545 votes to BJP's Atul Bhosale as the 17th round of counting ended with just one more round to go. Thorat lost to Shiv Sena's Amol Khatal by a margin of 10,560 votes. In Bhor constituency, sitting Congress MLA Sangram Thopate is trailing behind NCP candidate Shankar Mandekar. Mandekar has taken a lead of 19,683 votes against Thopate.

Speaking on BJP-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said all three parties (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP) will decide who will be the next chief minister of the state.

Given that it was the BJP that led the massive victory with leads in 125 seats, Fadnavis is the most likely name as far as the Chief Minister post is concerned. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, "There is no conflict on the post of the Chief Minister. It is clear right from day one, that all the three parties will sit together and decide the face of the Chief Minister after the polls."

He also said that the Mahayuti would respect the opposition. "People have given their mandate. The original legitimacy of NCP has been given to Ajit Pawar. Our track record is good, people have seen it and voted for it. People have shown that the legitimacy of Shiv Sena has come to Eknath Shinde," Fadnavis said.

He also said that Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah expressed happiness over the Mahayuti win. "Amitbhai (Shah) expressed happiness. The Maratha community and the OBC community are with us. I have not taken any revenge. In politics, people choose their leaders. I am not Chanakya, I am an ordinary party worker. My contribution to this victory is very little," he said.

He also took a dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut saying, "I never comment Sanjay Raut. In Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won, and the Election Commission was fair. However, in Maharashtra, when we have won, the Election Commission is biased."

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has won the Worli Assembly seat in a tight contest with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader Milind Deora. As per the Election Commission update at 3.08 pm, Aditya Thackeray had polled 60,606 votes winning by a margin of 8,408. Aditya, son of Uddhav, was a sitting MLA and sought re-election, this time on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. In 2019, he was elected to the seat from the undivided Shiv Sena. Read More...

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Jay Pawar suggested his father's name for Chief Minister as BJP-led Mahayuti was set to register a landslide victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election.

On being asked about NCP workers wanting his father to be the CM, Jay said," Of course, even I feel the same way...About the results, the elder leaders will take that decision. But every Baramatikar does want to see Dada as the chief minister..."

"I am really happy with the results. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our voters because they all have entrusted the Mahayuti again. In the next five years, we all will work hand in hand for the progress of the state and our Taluka...All the Baramatikars are Dada's and my family and as they gave respect to Saheb during Lok Sabha (polls) they have respect to Dada during Vidhan Sabha because they know the work he has done for the Taluka," he said.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena of Raj Thackeray and Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi failed to make an impact in the state assembly polls as trends showed the ruling Mahayuti cruising to a landslide victory. Parties like the Samajwadi Party and All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen were in a slightly better position.

While the MNS had fielded 125 candidates, the VBA had 200 candidates in the fray. The bad news for the MNS was compounded with Amit Thackeray, son of the party chief, trailing at third place in Mahim seat in Mumbai.

The Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Paksha, which had fielded 19 candidates, also failed to make any impact. It is known to have influence among farmers, especially in western Maharashtra. Incidentally, on the eve of counting of votes, Ambedkar had claimed his party would get a sizable number of seats and would get to choose which side can form the government.

As per trends made available on the EC website, the Samajwadi Party, Jan Surajya Shakti and CPM were leading in two seats each while the AIMIM, Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party, Peasants and Workers Party and Rajashri Shahu Vikas Aghadi were leading on one seat each. A total of 158 parties contested the November 20 assembly polls.

The main fight is between the Mahayuti comprising BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi consisting of the Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT). (PTI)

As Mahayuti is set to form the government in Maharashtra, BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh said it was the "victory of the work done by our government in Maharashtra and the work done for every section under the leadership of PM Modi".

"This is the victory of development... In the by-elections also, BJP has won one-sidedly in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is a big victory. Congress has been wiped out," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated Devendra Fadnavis as the Mahayuti retained power in Maharashtra. The Mahayuti was heading for a landslide victory as it was ahead on 224 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

NCP's Aditi Sunil Tatkare wins the Shrivardhan seat by a margin of 82,798 votes. Aditi, daughter of NCP Maharashtra chief and Raigad Lok Sabha MP polled 116050 votes. Aditi thus managed to retain the seat in the battle between the two NCPs. Her nearest rival - Anil Dattaram Navgane, who was fielded by the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). Navgane managed to poll only 33252 votes.

In Congress’s bastion Sangamner, Balasaheb Thorat who has won eight times consecutively was defeated by first-time candidate Amol Dhondiba Khatal of the Shiv Sena in Sangamner in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections.

CPI leader D Raja on Saturday said that the INDIA alliance in Jharkhand will be forming the government, noting that the people of Jharkhand were not convinced by the campaigning of the BJP in the state.

He noted that the issues of infiltration and corruption raised by the BJP leaders in Jharkhand could not convince the people. He claimed that the issue of infiltration was the responsibility of the Union Government and that they should be held responsible if there was any infiltration.

"These are all early trends. If these trends continue, then in Maharashtra, the BJP and its allies will win and form the government. As far as Jharkhand is concerned, JMM, Congress, and its allies are sure to form the government. Let us wait for the final outcome and the verdict of the people of Maharashtra and Jharkhand," the CPI leader said.

"The people of Jharkhand are not at all convinced by the campaign unleashed by the BJP and its leaders. The way they were raising the issue of infiltration and corruption could not convince the people of Jharkhand. If infiltration is the issue, then who should be held responsible other than the Union Government...They must be held responsible if there is infiltration," he added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the poll trends were in favour of the Mahayuti because of his flagship initiative, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. He said the people of the state have responded to the welfare schemes with their votes.

The early trends have indicated that the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, will retain the power in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, "I thank all my ladki bahins (dear sisters) in the state and the brothers who voted in large numbers for us. The voting trend is an endorsement of our work." Read More...

Reacting to Maharashtra Assembly Election results, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis wrote in Hindi on X,'Ek He To Safe Hai, Modi He To Mumkin Hai.'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis and congratulated them.

"I thank the voters of Maharashtra because this is a landslide victory. I had said that Mahayuti will get a thumping majority and that's why I thank Ladli Bahina, farmers, brothers, senior citizens... all sections of the society. People have approved the work done by the Mahayuti in the last 2.5 years," said Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. 'Let the final results come in...Then, in the same way as we fought elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision,' added Eknath Shinde.

BJP legislator Pravin Darekar on Saturday demanded that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis be appointed as the next chief minister of the state with early trends in the counting of votes for the assembly elections suggesting a win for the Mahayuti combine.

In the alliance, the party that secures the highest number of seats will be entitled to get the chief minister's post, he asserted.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in the state, and was leading in 218 of the 288 assembly seats, as per the latest figures in the counting of votes by the Election Commission. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats.

As per ECI figures, in the Mahayuti, BJP candidates were leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena in 55 and NCP in 35 seats.

Talking to reporters, BJP MLC Darekar said, "Based on the current trends, I believe that the BJP will be the single largest party and Devendra Fadnavis should become the chief minister. The election was contested under his leadership, and he called for a 'dharma yuddha' in these assembly polls."

"I cannot express my gratitude to people," he said.

When asked about the current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose party Shiv Sena is an ally of the BJP, Darekar said, "As part of the alliance, the party that secures the most seats will be entitled to the post of Chief Minister."

JMM-led INDIA bloc was leading in 50 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the NDA was ahead in 30, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website on Saturday. Counting of votes began at 8 AM. According to trends, INDIA bloc was leading in 50 seats — JMM 30, Congress 14 and allies 6 — and NDA in 30 till noon. Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 8,202 votes over BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom after the third round of counting. JMM legislator and wife of Jharkhand CM Kalpana Soren was trailing by 3,019 votes against BJP’s Muniya Devi after fourth round. BJP state chief Babulal Marandi was leading by 8,720 votes over CPIML’s Rajkumar Yadav after second round of counting. Former CM and BJP nominee Champai Soren was leading by 8,542 votes in Seraikela against JMM's Ganesh Mahli after third round.

When asked if any 'precautions' would be taken to safeguard their MLAs, former State Congress chief Rajesh Thakur says, "Predators would come and lay a bait. We are prepared for that. Nobody would dare to do this in Jharkhand. CM Hemant Soren was jailed for destabilising the Government, even at that time we thwarted all such attempts. They should not dare to do this now. If they dare to do that, they would be given a betting reply." On JMM-led Mahagathbandhan's lead, he says, "This was bound to happen. The manner in which we have taken schemes to the people, they have awarded us for that. We did what we used to say. The results of all of this is going to come today. As per the trends so far, we can see ourselves forming the Government once again with the majority...Formation of our Government is certain..."

On the upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand election results, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said on Friday that the INDI alliance's naked dance of communalism in Maharashtra could be the reason of their defeat. Singh said, "I am sure we will win in both Jharkhand and Maharashtra. This INDI alliance has done a naked dance of communalism in Maharashtra. Maharashtra has not accepted it. Let Lalu Yadav be happy in believing that the INDI alliance is winning in Jharkhand."

Kalidas Nilkanth Kolambkar of BJP won the Wadala seat, the first result announced in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in Maharashtra, and was leading in 218 of the 288 assembly seats, as per figures of early trends in the counting the latest figures by the Election Commission.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats, as per the early trends.

Indicating a landslide victory for the ruling alliance, TV channels said the Mahayuti was ahead in 222 seats and MVA in 56 constituencies, as counting of votes commenced Saturday morning in the November 20 elections.

As per ECI figures, in the Mahayuti, BJP candidates were leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena in 55 and NCP in 35 seats.

In the MVA, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) candidates were leading in 13 seats, Congress in 20 and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in 17 seats.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were leading in their respective assembly constituencies in the first round of the counting of votes.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and sitting MLA Aaditya Thackeray was leading in Worli assembly seat in Mumbai by 495 votes, the poll officials said.

Congress Legislature Party leader and former minister Balasaheb Thorat was trailing in Sangamner assembly seat by 1,831 votes.

The counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections began at 8 am Saturday, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019.

In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.

In the MVA combine, the Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) put up 86 candidates.

Following is the party position in the outgoing assembly: BJP 105, Shiv Sena 41, NCP 40, Congress 45, Shiv Sena (UBT) 15, NCP (SP) 12, BVA 3, Samajwadi Party 2, AIMIM 2, Prahar Janshakti Party 2, MNS 1, CPM 1, PWP 1, Swabhimani Paksh 1, Rashtriya Samaj Paksh 1, Jan Surajya Shakti 1, Krantikari Shetkari Paksh 1 and Independents 13.

Samajwadi Party's Abu Azmi leading, NCP's Nawab malik trailing in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly constituency in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena's Milind Deora leading, Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray trailing in Worli Assembly constituency, as per Election Commission

Supporters of Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar burst crackers and celebrate outside a counting centre in Baramati.

As Mahayuti has crossed halfway mark in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut says, "They have done some 'gadbad', they have stolen some of our seats...This cannot be the public's decision. even the public does not agree with these results. Once the results are out, we will talk more. In every election seat, money-counting machines were installed. Is it possible that Shinde gets 60 seats, Ajit Pawar gets 40 seats and BJP gets 125 seats? The people of this state are not dishonest. We have their faith on the people of Maharashtra."

Kalpana Soren, wife of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren & JMM candidate for Gandey assembly trailing by a margin of 3128 votes, after round 1/21 of counting as per the latest EC data. JMM-led Mahagathbandhan has crossed the majority mark in the state as per official EC trends, currently leading on 51 of the 81 seats.

"The results are still coming in, and the NDA is set to form a government in Maharashtra with a massive majority under the leadership of PM Modi... In Jharkhand as well, we are hopeful that the people will uproot the JMM," said BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance crossed the halfway mark at 10 am leading in 172 seats so far, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is trailing with 47 seats as per trends by the Elections Commission of India. According to initial results, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is leading in 53 seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 33, and the BJP has the most, leading in 100 seats, while the Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party (RYSWP), party of the maha Yuti alliance has one seat.
Meanwhile, in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) is leading in 12 seats, Congress in 17 seats, and the UBT Sena in 18 seats. Samajwadi Party, which is part of the Aghadi alliance notched up 2 seats

Mahagathbandhan (43) crosses the halfway mark of 40 (JMM 24, Congress 11, RJD 6, CPI(ML)(L) 2) NDA leading on 26 seats (BJP 24, AJSUP 1, JDU 1)

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 2,812 votes over BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom. In 2019, Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both by a margin of 25,740 votes and 13,188 votes respectively. Later, he vacated Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll. Soren had to resign as the CM shortly before his arrest on January 31 by the ED in a money laundering case.

He was released from jail on June 28 after being granted bail by the high court. On July 3, he was elected as the JMM's legislature party leader. Champai Soren subsequently submitted his resignation as the CM to the governor, paving the way for Hemant Soren to be sworn in as chief minister for a third time.

Congress Legislature Party leader Balasaheb Thorat trails in Sangamner assembly seat by 1,831 votes at end of first round: Poll officials.

BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha says, "In the leadership of PM Modi, we will get more than 160 seats in Maharashtra..."

Senior Congress leader and ex-Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan trailing by 1,590 votes in Karad South assembly seat: Poll officials.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde leading by over 4,000 votes from Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat at the end of first round: Poll officials.

The BJP was leading in 25 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the JMM was ahead in 10 as the counting of postal ballots was underway on Saturday, TV channels reported. The counting of votes began at 8 AM.

The Election Commission, however, is yet to come out with any trend as of now on its website. The assembly elections were held in two phases - November 13 and 20. Forty-three seats went to polls in the first round and 38 in the second. (PTI)

The administration in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has banned victory processions today when the results of the state assembly elections will be declared. District collector Dilip Swami held a meeting with top police officials on Friday, a day before the counting of votes.

In a video message released after the meeting, Swami said, "I have spoken to the top police officials from the city as well as rural parts of the district. When the results come out, the situation turns a little tense. So in order to avoid law and order issues, we are not going to allow any victory procession on the result day." "Sometimes, party workers come together and sometimes their coming together turns into a procession. We are not going to allow that also. Later, once everything is peaceful, we will allow the processions. We have issued prohibitory orders accordingly," he said.

Counting of votes for 81 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand began at 8 AM on Saturday, Election Commission officials said. The elections were held in two phases - November 13 and 20. The first round of polls covered 43 constituencies, while the second and final phase saw voting in 38 seats.

"Counting began at 8 AM at all 24 centres. Postal ballots are being taken up first. Counting of votes polled in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) will begin at 8.30 AM and first trends are likely by 9.30 AM," an official said. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said the counting is likely to be completed by 4 PM.

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance was leading in 31 of the 288 seats in the state and the Maha Vikas Aghadi in 18 as counting of votes commenced Saturday morning in the November 20 elections. The Mahayuti was leading in 26 seats after counting of postal ballots commenced, TV channels reported. There was no word yet from the Election Commission.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole was leading in Sakoli after counting of postal ballots commenced, a channel said. BJP’s Vijaykumar Gavit was ahead after the postal ballots counting began, it added. Counting of votes in the Maharashtra assembly elections began Saturday morning, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is seeking to make a comeback.

The counting of votes in all the 288 seats commenced at 8 am in all the counting centres in the state, an election official said. At the counting centres, officials first began verifying and counting the postal ballots, with the counting of EVM votes scheduled to start at 8.30 am. There will be a minimum of 20 rounds of counting in each assembly segment.

The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019. In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. In the MVA combine, the Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) put up 86 candidates. (PTI)

The counting of votes for the Maharshtra Assembly Election began on Saturday morning. The fate of candidates on all 288 Assembly seats is to be decided. Visuals from the strong room at a counting centre for the Baramati Assembly constituency. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar of NCP (Mahayuti) contested against Yugendra Shriniwas Pawar of NCP-SCP (Maha Vikas Aghadi) in Baramati.

BJP candidate from Saraikela assembly constituency and former Chief Minister, Champai Soren on Saturday exuded hope in BJP poll prospects in Jharkhand. "BJP is going to win, there is no doubt. BJP-NDA is going to form the government...People have voted in favour of the BJP. The biggest issue in Jharkhand has been the Bangladeshi infiltrators...The population of Bangladeshi infiltrators is increasing rapidly. In this election, BJP is going to form the government, it will be clear in the next 1-1.5 hours...", he added. On CM face in Jharkhand, Champai Soren, who has recently switched to BJP from JMM, said, "BJP is the largest party in the country. It will be decided by the party and then there will be a discussion between the MLAs..."

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that they are very confident of winning the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections as the INDIA bloc fought the poll together, and the atmosphere is in their favour. Speaking to ANI, Gehlot refuted exit polls that have predicted a win for the BJP-led NDA in both the poll-bound states.

"If the exit polls are speaking against us, they were in our favour in Haryana. When the results start coming, we will know the situation. We are fully confident that the people have given their blessings to the India block. INDIA Bloc fought the elections together and the atmosphere is in our favour," he said.

The former Rajasthan Chief Minister also slammed the BJP and said, "Our effort is to maintain harmony in democracy but the party in power always polarises. They create an environment of unrest."

Ahead of the counting of votes for the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Election, JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said on Saturday morning that the party is confident of Hemant Soren's victory as people have reposed their faith in the party.

"There is a clear voice from the people of Jharkhand - Iss baar phir Hemant dobara. Women, students and people of Jharkhand have reposed their faith and we trust them. The excitement that was seen during campaigning and the day of elections clearly shows that we are coming to power again with an absolute majority," Pandey said.

Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi says he was confident of the saffron party's win in the state as the counting of votes takes place shortly from now. "We are sure that we will form the government and BJP-led NDA will get more than 51 seats. People have voted for NDA as they are fed up with the current government's corruption," he said while speaking to the media on Saturday morning.

On the eve of the counting of votes, the Congress Maharashtra in charge Ramesh Chennithala held a Zoom meeting with all the assembly poll candidates in the state. The Congress had fielded 103 candidates for the November 20 polls. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprises the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Later, the party's core group held a meeting to discuss government formation and steps to be taken for the security of MLAs to avoid poaching, senior leader Naseem Khan said. Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut has also said MVA plans to keep all newly elected MLAs under one roof and make provisions for their accommodation. He also said the MVA would win 160 seats, adding that the plan was to form the government before November 26.

Visuals from many counting centres in Maharashtra surfaced on Saturday morning ahead of the counting for the 288 assembly seats that went to the polls on November 20. The counting is expected to begin at 8 am today. Counting of votes will also be held for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll, where 67.81 per cent voting was recorded on November 20.

Kolhapur district led with 76.63 per cent polling, followed by 75.26 per cent in Gadchiroli, which has some Left Wing Extremism affected pockets, while the lowest was in Mumbai island city at 52.07 per cent. Mumbai suburban district recorded 55.95 per cent polling. A total of 288 counting centres have been set up for the counting of votes today, including one for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll. The high volume of postal ballots has led to the establishment of 1,732 tables for postal ballot counting and 592 tables for Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to ensure a smooth counting process across all assembly constituencies, an official said.

Kedar Dighe, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate who is pitted against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat in Thane, has alleged irregularities in the post-voting process, including storing EVMs in the observation room instead of the strong room.

Dighe claimed that the observation room did not have CCTV coverage, showing videos to reporters to buttress his allegations. "The envelopes containing postal ballots are not sealed. The Election Commission must look into these irregularities and take action against the personnel. It should order repoll in the seat," Dighe said.