Landslide in Maharashtra for NDA! BJP-RLD Shine in UP Bypolls; Has INDIA Alliance Lost the Plot?

Assembly Election Results 2024: The wait for the Assembly Election Results 2024 is finally over. On November 23, the results for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra Assembly Elections, as well as the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and other states, are being announced. According to the initial trends released by the Election Commission, the NDA has taken a significant lead in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra: NDA Takes a Big Lead

In Maharashtra, surprising trends are emerging. For Congress, the outcome appears to be another major setback after Haryana. As per early reports, the BJP-led alliance is ahead in 216 seats, with BJP leading in 125 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) in 56, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) in 35. On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is leading in 51 seats, with Congress ahead in 21, Shiv Sena (UBT) in 17, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) in 13. Independents and other candidates are ahead in 20 seats.

The INDIA alliance’s (MVA’s) claims of forming a government with a majority in Maharashtra are now under question, as its key leaders—Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Nana Patole—are falling behind even in their strongholds. However, these are just early trends, and the picture will become clearer as the final results come in.

Uttar Pradesh Bypolls: BJP-RLD Alliance Shines

The BJP and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) contested the Uttar Pradesh bypolls together and have delivered a strong performance. Early trends indicate that the RLD is leading in the Mirapur seat, while BJP candidates are leading in Kundarki, Phulpur, Ghaziabad, Sisamau, Karhal, Katehri, Khair, and Majhawan.

The Samajwadi Party (SP), led by Akhilesh Yadav, is leading in Karhal, Katehri, and Sisamau. These trends reflect a tough contest, but the BJP-RLD alliance appears to have an edge in most seats.

Jharkhand: INDIA Alliance Gains Ground

In Jharkhand, the INDIA alliance, led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is heading toward a majority. According to initial data from the Election Commission, the JMM is leading in 30 seats, Congress in 13, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in 5. On the other hand, BJP candidates are leading in 26 seats. BJP's allies, including the LJPRV (1 seat), AJSU (2 seats), and JDU (1 seat), are also showing some gains. Independent candidates and the CPI are leading in one seat each.

Rajasthan: Mixed Results

The results of the seven assembly bypolls in Rajasthan are critical for both the BJP and Congress. Early trends suggest BJP is leading in Jhunjhunu and Deoli-Uniara, while Congress is ahead in Ramgarh and Dausa. In Khivsar, RLP candidate Kanika Beniwal has taken the lead, while in Salumbar, the Indian Tribal Party is ahead.

Punjab: AAP Maintains Control

In Punjab, early trends from the four assembly seats—Chabbewal, Barnala, Dera Nanak Baba, and Gidderbaha—show the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leading in three seats. Congress candidate Kuldeep Singh Dhillon is ahead in Barnala.

Uttarakhand: BJP Leads in Kedarnath

In Uttarakhand, early trends from the Kedarnath assembly seat indicate a lead for BJP candidate Asha Nautiyal. Congress candidate Manoj Rawat is trailing in second place.

Madhya Pradesh: BJP Dominates

In Madhya Pradesh, both assembly seats appear to be going to the BJP. Ramakant Bhargava is leading in Budhni, and Ramniwas Rawat is ahead in Vijaypur.

What Lies Ahead?

These initial trends highlight significant shifts in political dynamics across India. While the NDA appears to have gained a strong foothold in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, the INDIA alliance is showing strength in Jharkhand. The final results will reveal the broader political implications and answer whether the INDIA alliance can recover from setbacks in key states.