Maharashtra Election News: Will Eknath Shinde get second term

• In November 2019, Uddhav Thackeray took office as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, stepping into his first direct role in governance. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was widely praised, as he placed public health above political agendas. However, Uddhav's tenure faced several challenges, including ideological differences within the coalition and growing pressure from the BJP.
• The Thackeray government was further embroiled in controversy with the revelation of the Antilia case. Sachin Waze, a former Shiv Sainik and close associate of Uddhav in the police force, was arrested as the prime accused, marking a turbulent period for the administration.

• Uddhav Thackeray officially stepped into the leadership of Shiv Sena in 2003 when he was appointed as the party's working president during a conference in Mahabaleshwar. Notably, the announcement was made by his cousin Raj Thackeray, signaling an effort to project unity despite underlying tensions. Over time, Uddhav solidified his control over the party, gradually sidelining rivals, including Raj, who left in 2006 to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
• Under Uddhav’s leadership, Shiv Sena transformed from its narrow, Marathi-centric roots into a more inclusive platform. He launched initiatives like Mee Mumbaikar, aimed at reaching out to people from diverse backgrounds and communities, steering the party away from divisive politics.

• Born in 1960, Uddhav Thackeray initially developed a passion for wildlife photography, which he pursued academically at Mumbai's JJ School of Arts. He is the youngest of three sons of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena.
• Though naturally soft-spoken and introverted, Uddhav entered politics under the guidance of his father, who had envisioned him as the successor to the Shiv Sena—a party founded in 1966 with the mission of advocating for the rights of Maharashtra's "Marathi manoos."

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) is currently facing an existential crisis. With the official name and party symbol now in the hands of the rival Eknath Shinde faction, Uddhav Thackeray is paradoxically relying on his father Bal Thackeray's legacy and support from Muslim voters to sustain his political presence. Over the years, Uddhav has worked to carve out his own distinct identity, navigating numerous challenges that have tested both his resilience and vision. Let’s take a closer look at his political journey.

• Eknath Shinde is eyeing a second term as Chief Minister, but several challenges stand in his way. First, the Mahayuti alliance must secure a majority in the Legislative Assembly. Second, Shinde’s Shiv Sena needs to outperform its allies and win the highest number of seats within the alliance. However, with the BJP contesting more seats, it is poised to emerge as the single largest party, which could weaken Shinde's chances of reclaiming the top post.
• That said, the past five years of Maharashtra politics have shown that the state’s political landscape often defies conventional expectations, leaving room for surprising outcomes.

• On June 21, 2022, Eknath Shinde spearheaded a rebellion, taking 40 Shiv Sena MLAs with him to Gujarat, and later moving them to Assam and Goa. This dramatic move paralyzed the Shiv Sena-led MVA government, ultimately forcing Uddhav Thackeray to resign as Chief Minister. Backed by the BJP, Shinde became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, with BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis serving as his deputy.
• Subsequently, the Election Commission recognized Shinde’s faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena, granting them the party’s iconic bow-and-arrow symbol. This marked Shinde’s rise from a dedicated party worker to the leader of a faction claiming to uphold Balasaheb Thackeray’s true legacy.

• Eknath Shinde's dissatisfaction with the Shiv Sena leadership deepened during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government. Although he held the influential Urban Development Ministry—a portfolio typically overseen by the Chief Minister—he felt sidelined by Uddhav Thackeray’s son, Aaditya Thackeray. Aaditya's active involvement in Shinde's ministry, including making major decisions and public announcements, led to growing tensions. Shinde also grew increasingly frustrated with the Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) dominance within the coalition, viewing it as a potential threat to the Shiv Sena's future electoral strength.
• Shiv Sena MLAs echoed Shinde’s concerns, particularly regarding the NCP's efforts to consolidate its influence in areas traditionally considered Shiv Sena strongholds. Moreover, Uddhav Thackeray's perceived inaccessibility and his reliance on a small circle of advisors further alienated many within the party.

In 2004, Eknath Shinde won his first Assembly election from Thane, marking the beginning of a successful political career. Re-elected multiple times since, he steadily rose to prominence within the Shiv Sena. While the party occasionally adopted controversial stances, such as targeting North Indians or Muslims, Shinde took a different approach in his constituency, fostering inclusivity and ensuring safety for all, distancing himself from divisive politics.

Eknath Shinde’s rise within the Shiv Sena was driven by his strong grassroots connection and impactful social initiatives. From offering free medical aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to spearheading relief efforts during Kerala's 2019 floods, Shinde earned a reputation as a "Robin Hood" figure in Thane. His influence extended beyond his constituency, reaching neighboring areas and solidifying his standing as a leader with widespread support.

In 2000, Eknath Shinde endured a heartbreaking personal tragedy when his two children, 11-year-old Dipesh and 7-year-old Shubhada, drowned in a boating accident in Satara. Overwhelmed with grief, Shinde retreated from public life. It was Anand Dighe who persuaded him to overcome his loss by dedicating himself to serving others. Taking Dighe's advice to heart, Shinde threw himself into political and social work, eventually rising to lead the Thane Municipal Corporation. His office became a beacon for addressing public grievances, often staying open late into the night to assist those in need.

Eknath Shinde's journey began in Kisannagar, a humble Marathi-majority neighborhood in Thane. Born into a family grappling with poverty, he was forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints. To make ends meet, Shinde took up work as a laborer and later as an autorickshaw driver, often struggling to earn enough to refuel his vehicle. His intimate familiarity with Thane's streets as a driver would later serve as a symbolic precursor to his adeptness at maneuvering through the intricate corridors of politics.

In 2022, Eknath Shinde stunned the nation by ascending to the Chief Minister's post in Maharashtra with the backing of just 40 MLAs in the 288-member Assembly. This dramatic political shift marked one of the most significant rebellions in Shiv Sena’s history, resulting in the party's split and the Thackeray family losing control. Shinde’s rise, from a modest autorickshaw driver in Thane to the apex of Maharashtra politics, is a testament to his resilience, ambition, determination, and street-smart acumen.

Maharashtra witnessed a voter turnout of 66.05% in 2024, an increase from 61.1% in 2019, according to the Election Commission.

• BJP leader Pravin Darekar expressed strong support for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister, stating, “If anyone from the BJP becomes the CM, it will be Devendra Fadnavis.”
• Meanwhile, supporters of Ajit Pawar have displayed banners in Pune, projecting the NCP leader as Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister.
• NCP leader Amol Mitkari emphasized the party’s pivotal role, declaring that the NCP would be the kingmaker regardless of the election outcome. He hinted that sidelining Ajit Pawar could be a costly mistake for the Mahayuti alliance.
• Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remained diplomatic, stating that all three Mahayuti alliance partners would deliberate together to make a "good decision" regarding the CM candidate.

In the Mahayuti camp, Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat stated that the assembly elections were fought with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the alliance's face. "Voters have expressed their preference for Shinde through their votes. I believe it is Shinde’s rightful claim to be the next Chief Minister, and we are confident he will assume the role," Shirsat said.

The remarks by Nana Patole did not sit well with Shiv Sena (UBT), an ally in the MVA. On Thursday, Sanjay Raut emphasized that the decision on the chief ministerial candidate would be made collectively by all alliance partners once the MVA secures a majority. Raut added that if the Congress high command has indeed endorsed Nana Patole as the CM face, then the party’s top leaders—Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra—should formally announce it.

Interestingly, fissures have already surfaced within the alliances over who will lead the government, even before counting day. Shortly after polling concluded, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole declared that an MVA government would be formed under his party's leadership. He asserted that voting trends indicate the Congress is likely to secure the highest number of seats in the new assembly.

Speculation is already swirling about who will become the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra, even before the first vote is counted. With the Mantralaya in Mumbai up for grabs, names are being floated from both the ruling Mahayuti and the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), as constituents on both sides put forward their frontrunners for the coveted post. (Read More)

Markets staged a strong recovery on Friday after seven consecutive weeks of correction, rebounding from a turbulent week marked by negative news. Experts attributed the rally to traders pricing in a likely BJP-led Mahayuti victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, as indicated by exit polls. On Thursday, market sentiment was weighed down by the Adani bribery case, which overshadowed the exit poll results and delayed any significant reaction. However, Friday’s rally suggests that markets have moved past the Adani issue and are now looking ahead. Rohit Srivastava of Indiacharts commented, “The markets did not react to the exit poll results yesterday due to the Adani news. Today’s rally shows the markets are responding, and perhaps overreacting, to the exit poll verdict.” (Read More)

The state of Maharashtra has been divided in five regions. These regions have different demographics and issues and political sentiments. These five regions are – Konkan, Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, West Maharashtra and Marathwada

• Doubts persist about the reliability of exit polls due to their inaccuracies in recent elections (e.g., Lok Sabha and Haryana Assembly polls).
• 2019 Maharashtra Exit Poll Predictions:
• ABP News: Predicted 210 seats for the BJP-led NDA and 63 for the Congress-led UPA.
• India Today 'Poll of Polls': Predicted 213 seats for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and 61 for the Congress-NCP.
• 2019 Maharashtra Election Results:
• BJP: Won 105 seats.
• Shiv Sena: Won 56 seats.
• NDA Total: 161 seats (above the majority mark of 145).
• Congress: Won 44 seats.
• NCP: Won 54 seats.
• Congress-NCP Total: 98 seats.
• Changed Political Landscape in 2024:
• Shiv Sena Split:
• Uddhav Thackeray now with the MVA.
• Eknath Shinde faction aligned with NDA's Mahayuti.
• NCP Split: Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar leading separate factions on opposing sides

For those who are joining us just now, we are covering the Maharashtra Election Results 2024. In  about two hours from now, the counting of votes will begin at 8 am across all centres in Maharashtra. Traditionally, the postal ballots are counted first. The exit polls have predicted a landslide win for BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. However, some projections also said that it will be a close contest with some even saying that Maharashtra may see a hung Assembly. What will be the political countours in Maharashtra. What the verdict means for regional satraps? Stay with us for quickest trends and on-spot analysis, data and more

After the Lok Sabha drubbing, the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government rolled out a slew of welfare measures, including the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, that hands out Rs 1,500 as monthly doles to women. The scheme was launched in July and the ruling alliance has promised to increase the monthly transfer to Rs 2,100 if voted to power. The scheme is being dubbed as a "game changer initiative" by the ruling alliance. A similar version of the scheme helped the BJP script a landslide win in Madhya Pradesh elections last year.

The Maharashtra assembly polls campaign, which started on issues like welfare initiatives and development, reached its crescendo at the end with phrases such as 'vote jihad', 'dharma yuddha', 'Constitution under threat' dominating the poll talk. The "betrayal" by Shinde and Ajit Pawar dominated the poll campaign of the NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), with Thackeray urging voters to defeat "gaddars" at the hustings.

Nearly 10,000 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and local police have been assigned for security arrangements at the counting centres, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a release. Across Mumbai, over 2,700 officials and staff have been deployed to count votesam. Postal votes will counted first followed by votes recorded by the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the release said.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi of Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) is eyeing a reset in the crucial state, hoping to avenge the humiliation of 2022 when a rebellion by Eknath Shinde caused the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. The Congress is looking to build on the gains from the Lok Sabha polls where it emerged as the best performing party in the state. For Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's NCP, these elections are a litmus test to reaffirm their voter base and demonstrate the legitimacy of their factions following the splits.

In the final elections of 2024, a lot is riding on the BJP-led Mahayuti, which is hoping to retain its grip on power in the richest state of India. BJP is looking to reverse the losses of the Lok Sabha polls and regain momentum - building on a strong performance in the recent assembly polls in Haryana. It also wants to cement its position as the single largest party in a state that has traditionally been dominated by regional satraps. For Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), the election is about staking claim for the true legacy of their respective parties and a test of voter loyalties. The alliance is also looking to avenge the setback from the Lok Sabha polls, which gave a big jolt to the faction. Mahayuti won just 17 out of the 48 seats in Maharashtra while MVA made handsome gains and won 30 seats.

In Mumbai City, Colaba (44.49%), Dharavi (49.70%), and Mumbadevi (48.76%) were the only seats with voter turnouts below 50%. The Malabar Hill seat, with a 52.53% turnout, registered the biggest improvement in voter participation from 2019 (46.99%) among all the seats in Mumbai City. Mahim with a 58% voter turnout has not just emerged as the seat with higher voter turnout this time in Mumbai, but it also reported a significant improvement from 2019 (52.67%).

Counting for the Maharashtra assembly elections will begin at 8am today and Moneycontrol will bring you real-time coverage of the results. The state is witnessing a keen clash between the ruling Mahayuti of BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP and the rival Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP-SP and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT. Several other parties and Independents are also in the fray and are hoping to upset the apple cart in one of the most closely watched elections of this year.