November 20, 2024: Voters in Maharashtra and Jharkhand have cast their ballots today in the highly anticipated Assembly elections that will determine the future of the ruling and opposition alliances in both states. The elections are seen as a significant face-off between the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), as both coalitions battle for political supremacy.

In Maharashtra, polling is being held in a single phase across all 288 constituencies, while Jharkhand is conducting its final phase of voting today. Voting began at 7:00 AM in both states, with polling concluding at 6:00 PM in Maharashtra and 5:00 PM in Jharkhand, except for 31 booths in Jharkhand, where voting will end at 4:00 PM.

As of 9:00 AM, Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 6.61%, while Jharkhand reported a turnout of 12.71%. Early voter participation suggests a keen interest in the outcome of these elections, with both alliances putting up a strong fight for control.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a special appeal to voters, urging women and young people to actively participate in the electoral process in both states.

In Maharashtra, a total of 4,136 candidates are vying for seats. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, is contesting in a combined 289 seats. The BJP is fighting for 149 seats, the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena for 81, and the NCP for 59. Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (led by Sharad Pawar), is contesting with a total of 282 candidates.

In Jharkhand, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) coalition is seeking to retain its hold on power. The opposition NDA, led by the BJP, is looking to wrest control of the state. A total of 528 candidates, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren, are contesting in 38 out of the 81 Assembly seats. The BJP has fielded candidates in 68 seats, with allies AJSU Party, JD(U), and Lok Janshakti (Ram Vilas) contesting in 10, 2, and 1 seat, respectively. The INDIA alliance, comprising JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML), has fielded candidates in a total of 83 seats.

With the counting of votes set for Saturday, all eyes will be on the outcomes in both states, which are expected to shape the political landscape in the run-up to the next general elections.