The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Election 2024 is one of the most closely watched elections in India this year. The election will decide the leadership of Maharashtra, one of India’s largest and most important states, both economically and socially. Here’s what to expect in the election and why it matters.
Key Political Parties and Players
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Several key parties and alliances are in the race to win the 2024 elections:
- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) – The Shiv Sena, once the most powerful party in Maharashtra, split in 2022. Uddhav Thackeray leads one faction of the party, and he will be aiming for support from the Maratha community and urban voters. Uddhav, who served as Chief Minister before the split, will focus on regional issues, Hindu nationalist policies, and social welfare during the election.
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Eknath Shinde, the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leads the BJP alliance, which includes his faction of Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This alliance, called the Maha Yuti, is expected to be a strong contender in urban areas, especially in Mumbai and Pune. The BJP is focusing on economic growth, infrastructure development, and national security.
- Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – The NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, is a major political force in Maharashtra, particularly in rural areas. The party traditionally gets support from farmers and agrarian communities. In 2024, the NCP will either ally with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction or run alone, depending on the situation.
- Indian National Congress (INC) – Once the ruling party in Maharashtra, the Congress Party is struggling to regain its former power. After poor results in past elections, Congress is hoping to make a comeback, either alone or in alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena. They will likely focus on issues like farmers’ welfare and social justice.
- Other Regional Parties and Independents – The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, could play a significant role, especially in cities like Mumbai and Pune. Raj Thackeray’s focus is on local issues like Marathi pride and immigration. Smaller parties and independent candidates will also play a role in the election, especially in constituencies where no single party is dominant.
Key Issues in Maharashtra Election 2024
Several important issues will influence voters in Maharashtra:
- Economic Growth and Jobs – Maharashtra is India’s economic hub, with cities like Mumbai being key financial centers. Economic growth and job creation will be major topics in the election. Voters will want to know how the government plans to create more jobs and improve infrastructure in the state.
- Maratha Reservation – The Maratha reservation issue remains a major topic in Maharashtra politics. Marathas are a powerful community in the state, and they are pushing for more reservations in jobs and education. Political parties will address this issue to gain the support of this key voter group.
- Farmer Issues – Maharashtra’s rural areas, especially in Vidarbha, are facing challenges like farmer distress, crop failures, and water shortages. These issues will be critical, especially for the NCP and Congress, who traditionally support farmers. They will focus on policies to ease the agrarian crisis.
- Urban Development – Urban voters in Mumbai, Pune, and other cities will be concerned about infrastructure development, such as traffic congestion, housing, and public transport. The BJP and Shiv Sena will likely promote their achievements in urban development, while the opposition will highlight issues they feel haven’t been addressed adequately.
- Religious and Social Issues – Maharashtra’s diverse population means that issues of religion and social harmony will also play a part in the election. Hindu-Muslim relations, secularism, and regional pride will be key topics, with different parties trying to connect with various communities across the state.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly: Breakdown of Seats
– Total Seats: 288
– General Seats: 266 (Open to all voters)
– Reserved Seats:
– Scheduled Castes (SC): 29
– Scheduled Tribes (ST): 29
In the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, the party or alliance that wins at least 145 seats will form the government.
Exit Poll Predictions and What to Expect
While it’s hard to say exactly who will win, the 2024 election is expected to be a tight race. The BJP-led Maha Yuti alliance (BJP + Shinde faction) is likely to do well, especially in urban areas. They are predicted to win between 155 and 173 seats. On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance (Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress) is expected to win between 102 and 130 seats.
