The counting of votes for the 2024 Assembly Elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, alongside bypolls in 15 states, began promptly at 8 AM on Saturday.
The results will decide the composition of 288 seats in Maharashtra, 81 seats in Jharkhand, and 50 bypoll constituencies across the country. Early trends are expected within hours.
High Voter Turnout Marks Maharashtra Polls
Polling in Maharashtra, held last Wednesday, witnessed an impressive 66% turnout, a significant rise from the 61% recorded in 2019.
The Mahayuti alliance – comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP – is locked in a fierce battle with the MVA alliance, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP).
Both alliances have interpreted the higher voter turnout as an endorsement of their campaigns.
S Chockalingam, State Chief Electoral Officer highlighted the Election Commission’s focused efforts to ensure smooth voting.
He stated, “The Election Commission of India gave significant focus, attention, and time to Maharashtra this time. Each strategy was conceptualised and implemented with high precision. This resulted in a significant addition to the voter list between the Parliament election and the current election. Efforts were made to ease voting, especially in places like Mumbai, where there were challenges during the Parliament elections. This time, everyone appreciated the arrangements.”
Crucial Battle In Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s first phase of polling, held on 13 November, covered 43 assembly seats.
The state is witnessing a tight contest between the JMM-led alliance – which includes Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML) – and the BJP-led NDA, featuring AJSU, JD(U), and LJP.
Exit polls suggest the NDA may claim 42–47 seats, while the JMM alliance is likely to secure 25–30 seats.
Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar assured that all arrangements were in place.
“One counting centre each has been set up in all 24 districts. All preparations have been made. The process has begun. Counting of postal ballots will begin at 8 AM and EVM counting will begin at 8.30 AM. The results of the first round will be declared by 9.30 AM,” he asserted.
Jharkhand recorded a 68.45% voter turnout, an increase from 65% in the 2019 elections.
In the last assembly elections, the JMM emerged victorious with 30 seats, BJP secured 25, and Congress garnered 16 seats.
The outcome this year will determine whether the JMM retains its stronghold or cedes ground to the BJP-led NDA.
Key Bypolls In Focus
The bypolls covered 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states.
High-profile contests however include Wayanad, Kerala, where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her electoral debut, and significant battles in Uttar Pradesh.
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