Image used for illustrative purposes. Photo: File
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party and its allies are poised to regain power in the nation's wealthiest state, according to television channels reporting on Saturday. In Maharashtra, the home of India's financial hub Mumbai, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance is ahead in 221 out of 288 seats. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party and its allies are leading in 55 seats, as reported by local media.
"The Mahayuti government... has achieved an undisputed and resounding success," stated Eknath Shinde, the state's chief minister, on the social media platform X.
Modi faced a setback in parliamentary elections held between April and June, losing his majority and having to rely on unstable allies to form a government. However, last month, his party secured victory in state elections in the northern state of Haryana.
State election wins are crucial for political parties as they enhance their numbers in the upper house of parliament, which is vital for decision-making processes. In the resource-rich eastern state of Jharkhand, the ruling regional party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which is allied with the Congress-led opposition, is leading to reclaim control by defeating the BJP and its allies, according to media reports.
Political parties in both states have introduced a variety of measures aimed at benefiting farmers and women, both of whom are considered key voting blocs. Results from Maharashtra and Jharkhand are anticipated later on Saturday.
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