The results of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 were declared on Saturday. Here is the full list of the winners: Mumbai City 1) Dharavi- Dr Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad (Congress) 2) Sion Koliwada - Captain R Tamil Selvan (BJP)* 3) Wadala - Kalidas Kolambkar (BJP) 4) Mahim - Mahesh Sawant (Shiv Sena UBT) 5) Worli - Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) 6) Shivadi - Ajay Choudhari (Shiv Sena UBT) 7) Byculla - Manoj Jamsutkar (Shiv Sena UBT) 8) Malabar Hill- Mangal Prabhat Lodha (BJP) 9) Mumbadevi- Amin Patel (Congress) 10) Colaba - Rahul Narwekar (BJP) Mumbai Suburban 11) Borivali- Sanjay Upadhyay (BJP) 12) Dahisar - Ashok Chaudhary (BJP) 13) Magathane - Prakash Surve (Shiv Sena) 14) Mulund - Mihir Kotecha (BJP) 15) Vikhroli - Sunil Raut (Shiv Sena UBT) 16) Bhandup West- Ashok Patil (Shiv Sena) 17) Jogeshwari East - Anant Nar (Shiv Sena UBT) 18) Dindoshi - Sunil Prabhu (Shiv Sena UBT) 19) Kandivali East - Atul Bhatkalkar (BJP) 20) Charkop - Yogesh Sagar (BJP) 21) Malad West - Aslam Shaikh (Congress) 22) Goregaon - Vidya Thakur (BJP)* 23) Varsova - Haroon Khan (Shiv Sena UBT) 24) Andheri West - Ameet Satam (BJP) 25) Andheri East - Murji Patel (Shiv Sena) 26) Vile Parle - Parag Alavani 27) Chandivali- Dilip Lande 28) Ghatkopar West - Ram Kadam 29) Ghatkopar East - Parag Shah (Shiv Sena) 30) Mankhurd Shivajinagar - Abu Azmi (Samajwadi Party) 31) Anushakti Nagar - Sana Malik (NCP) 32) Chembur - Tukaram Kate (Shiv Sena) 33) Kurla (SC)- Mahesh Kudalgar (Shiv Sena) 34) Kalina - Sanjay Potnis (Shiv Sena UBT) 35) Vandre East - Varun Sardesai (Shiv Sena UBT) 36) Vandre West - Ashish Shelar (BJP) Raigad 37) Panvel - Prashant Thakur (BJP) 38) Karjat- Sadashiv Thorve (Shiv Sena) 39) Uran - Mahesh Balde (BJP)* 40) Pen - Ravisheth Patil (BJP) 41) Alibag - Mahendra Dalvi (Shiv Sena) 42) Shrivardhan - Aditi Sunil Tatkare (NCP) 43) Mahad - Bharatshet Gogawale (Shiv Sena)
23 November,2024 07:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai experienced a significant drop in temperatures on Saturday, with the minimum temperature being recorded at 19.1 degrees Celsius, marking an occasion for the city to dip below 20 degrees Celsius in late November. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), while sharing the Mumbai weather updates, stated that Mumbai's Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celcius and the minimum temperature was recorded at 19.1 degrees Celsius on November 23. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 32.0 degrees Celcius and the minimum temperature was recorded at 22.6 degrees Celsius. In the rest of Maharashtra including Kolhapur, and Solapur experienced mild weather, with temperatures hovering around the 30°C mark during the day. The coastal areas such as Ratnagiri and Alibag remained relatively warm with minimal rainfall. Today's Maharashtra Weather summary from 0830 to 1730 IST@Hosalikar_KS pic.twitter.com/k7vx2nAwmV — Climate Research & Services, IMD Pune (@ClimateImd) November 23, 2024 In central and northern regions of Maharashtra, including Aurangabad, Akola, and Amravati, the maximum temperatures were slightly lower, around 29 degrees Celcius to 30 degrees Celcius, with no significant rainfall reported. Ahmednagar recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 12.4 degrees Celcius, which was 1.0 degrees Celcius below the normal for this time of year. Meanwhile, on November 23, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 169 at 10:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'moderate' AQI. Borivali East, Ghatkopar, and Malad West recorded 'poor' air quality with an AQI of 238, 252, and 223, respectively. Kandivali and Colaba recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 121 and 136, respectively. Kurla and Sion recorded 'moderate' air quality, with AQIs of 127 and 142. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 131, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 165. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
23 November,2024 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that the Maharashtra Assembly election results 2024 are unexpected and incomprehensible. He said, "We will keep fighting for the rights of Maharashtra." Uddhav questioned, "How can situation change so drastically in four months after Lok Sabha polls?" He further said that cannot believe Maharashtra, which listened to me as head of family during Covid, will behave with me this way. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Saturday retained power in Maharashtra, maintaining sway over 230 of the 288 assembly seats, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi's dream of wresting power fizzled, with the opposition combine ahead in just 50 seats. पक्षप्रमुख मा. श्री. उद्धवसाहेब ठाकरे ह्यांची पत्रकार परिषद | मातोश्री, मुंबई - #LIVE https://t.co/PvAhg2GB0Z — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) November 23, 2024 While results have been declared in 164 seats, counting of votes, which began at 8 am, is still in progress in the remaining 124 seats, election officials said, as per the PTI. After the certainty of the poll outcome, the focus has now shifted to BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, the architect of his party's stunning victory. Political circles are abuzz with reports that the state's second Brahmin to become the CM will don the post for the third time. There is already speculation that the swearing in of the new CM may take place as early as Monday and that too in the same venue, the sprawling Wankhede Stadium in south Mumbai, where Fadnavis was sworn in as the CM 10 years ago. According to the PTI, as per the latest figures from the Election Commission, the BJP has so far won 35 seats and is leading in 78, the Shiv Sena won 27 and is ahead in 29 seats, while the NCP has won 25 and is leading in 16 seats. In the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) candidates won 6 seats and were leading in 4 seats, Congress won 5 and its candidates were leading in 11 seats, while Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) won 11 and was leading in 9 seats. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a crushing defeat, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats, a far cry from the boasts 'till this morning' by many of its senior leaders that the combine will trounce the Mahayuti. Going by the results, Maharashtra may not have a leader of opposition in the Lower House, as norms stipulate that a party should have at least 10 per cent of the total members of the assembly and not cobble up the number as an alliance. Maharashtra Election 2024 results Live Saturday's winners include BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar who defeated Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Shraddha Jadhav by 24,973 in Wadala constituency after 16 rounds to become a legislator for the ninth time in a row. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar won in their respective assembly constituencies, while senior Congress leaders Prithviraj Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat lost in theirs. Congress leader Nana Patole was trailing behind his BJP rival in Sakoli seat by 1607 votes after 25 of the 28 rounds. Eknath Shinde said that the results of the assembly elections were historic, and showed to whom the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena belong to. Devendra Fadnavis said there was no dispute over the chief minister's post and leaders of Mahayuti will decide on the issue together as the saffron party-led coalition is heading for a landslide victory. The results show that the state supports PM Narendra Modi, he said, and also thanked women voters. (with PTI inputs)
23 November,2024 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSitting Bandra East MLA and Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique accepted his defeat after the Maharashtra Assembly election results 2024 was announced on Saturday. In a post on X, Zeeshan Siddique wrote, "I humbly accept the mandate of the people of my vandre east assembly constituency. I wish Varun all the best. I promise to continue working hard towards the development and betterment of Vandre east, Mumbai and Maharashtra. I thank each one of you who trusted me and voted for me and stood by me during these tough times." I humbly accept the mandate of the people of my vandre east assembly constituency. I wish Varun all the best. I promise to continue working hard towards the development and betterment of Vandre east, Mumbai and Maharashtra. I thank each one of you who trusted me and voted for me… — Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshanBabaS) November 23, 2024 Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Varun Sardesai won the Bandra East Assembly constituency against sitting MLA Zeeshan Siddique by 11,365 votes, according to the Election Commission data. Earlier, the two young political leaders were seen visiting the counting centers on Saturday while the counting of votes were underway. The Bandra East assembly contest was in limelight following the killing of Zeeshan’s father Baba Siddique allegedly by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Baba Siddique was shot dead outside Zeeshan's office in Bandra east last month. Days later, Zeeshan had joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Meanwhile, for the Shiv Sena (UBT), Bandra East Assembly constituency holds a special significance since the Thackeray residence Matoshree falls in the Bandra East constituency. Zeeshan had contested the 2019 Maharashtra assembly election from a Congress ticket from the Vandre East (Bandra East) assembly constituency and won. The Thackeray camp views the seat as prestigious. Historically, it was won by the undivided Shiv Sena in 2009 and 2014, but they lost it in 2019 when Zeeshan secured victory on a Congress ticket. Maharashtra Election 2024 results Live Following the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the Shiv Sena (UBT) had intensified its efforts in the constituency, fielding Varun Sardesai who is also Aaditya Thackeray's cousin. Uddhav Thackeray had reportedly assigned his key strategist, Anil Parab, also the vibhag pramukh for the area, to ensure Varun Sardesai’s success. The constituency represents a cross-section of society, encompassing slum clusters along the railways, MHADA buildings in Kherwadi, the Government Colony and BKC. The constituency comprises Marathi-speaking voters, Muslims, Dalits and a mix of economic classes—from slums to new residential towers.
23 November,2024 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to convene the Maharashtra Legislative Party meeting on November 25, with the oath-taking ceremony for the new government set to take place on November 26, as per sources. A larger gathering of the Yuti alliance is expected to be held around the same time. This development follows the impressive performance of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the state elections, which has now crossed the crucial majority threshold. According to the Election Commission data released around 11 am, the alliance is currently leading in 220 seats and appears poised for a landslide victory. Celebrations have already begun at the BJP office in Mumbai, with party members and supporters jubilant over the results. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde expressed his satisfaction with the results, saying, "As we had expected, we have got very good numbers. I thank all the voters who stood behind Mahayuti and gave this landslide victory." Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske credited the alliance’s success to the leadership of Eknath Shinde, stating, "The people have shown their faith in Mahayuti, and the results clearly reflect that Eknath Shinde is the one capable of leading Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena." According to the initial results, the Mahayuti alliance is leading in 220 seats, with the BJP securing 128 seats, taking the lead in Maharashtra. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena follows closely behind with 55 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is leading in 35 seats, while the Rashtriya Yuva Swabhiman Party (RSHYVSWBHM) is leading in 2 seats. On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance is trailing with a lead in just 51 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC), part of the MVA, is leading in 20 seats, with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in the lead in 16 seats. The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) is leading in 13 seats, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) has gained a lead in 2 seats. The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Jan Surajya Shakti (JSS), and Peasants and Workers Party of India (PWPI) have each secured a lead in 2 seats. Minor parties, including Swatantra Bharat Paksha (STBP), Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (DISECL), CPI(M), Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA), and Rajarshi Shahu Vikas Aghadi (RSVA), are leading in one seat each. Additionally, five independent candidates (IND) are leading in their respective constituencies. As celebrations continue among the Sena-BJP-NCP alliance, all eyes are now on the appointment of the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra. According to ANI, speculation is rife over who will ultimately assume the state's top post following this resounding victory.
23 November,2024 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu recently claimed that a special diet helped his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, beat stage 4 cancer. However, experts, including those from Tata Memorial Hospital, have dismissed these claims as misleading and unscientific. At a press conference, Sidhu shared his wife’s journey, explaining that she followed a strict diet that included lemon water, raw turmeric, apple cider vinegar, neem leaves, tulsi, and a mix of citrus fruits, vegetable juices, and nuts. He said she cut out sugar and carbs, which he believes "starved the cancer." He attributed her recovery, despite being given only a 3 per cent chance of survival, to these dietary changes. Reacting to the viral video of Sidhu’s statement, Tata Memorial Hospital released a detailed clarification, urging people not to believe such unproven remedies. Their statement said, “Parts of the video imply that avoiding dairy and sugar, and consuming turmeric and neem, cured her cancer. These statements have no high-quality evidence to support them. While research is ongoing, there is no clinical data currently to recommend these as anti-cancer agents.” Issued in public interest pic.twitter.com/gMuCTZmwzZ — Pramesh CS (@cspramesh) November 23, 2024 They further emphasised that cancer treatment should not be delayed in favour of unproven remedies. Proven methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy remain the only effective ways to treat cancer. The hospital also highlighted that cancer is curable if detected early, urging patients to consult cancer specialists. Experts in the field have backed Tata Memorial’s stance. Dr Cyric Abbey Philips, a prominent liver specialist, stated, “There is no evidence that any specific diet, herb, or Ayurvedic remedy can cure cancer. Doctors give cautious survival predictions to prepare patients, but they always strive to offer the best treatment possible.” Dr Pramesh CS, director of Tata Memorial Hospital, also dismissed the claims, calling them “unscientific and baseless.” He clarified that Navjot Kaur’s recovery was due to evidence-based treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, not dietary changes. PSA: Please don't believe and get fooled by these statements regardless of who it comes from. These are unscientific and baseless recommendations. She got surgery and chemotherapy that were evidence based which is what made her 🤞cancer-free. Not the haldi, neem etc pic.twitter.com/7gDgN1TzZ8 — Pramesh CS (@cspramesh) November 22, 2024 Stage 4 cancer is a severe form of the disease, often with limited chances of recovery. While it is not always terminal, treatment focuses on controlling the disease rather than curing it. Experts have cautioned against promoting false hope through unverified methods, as it could lead patients to delay essential treatments. Sidhu’s claims have sparked controversy, but medical professionals continue to stress the importance of relying on evidence-based treatments to combat cancer effectively.
23 November,2024 05:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaAs the Mahayuti alliance approaches a commanding victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has emphasised that the decision regarding the Chief Ministerial candidate will be a collective one, made by all the parties in the alliance once the final results are declared on Saturday. Shinde, who is leading from his constituency, thanked party workers and expressed gratitude to the voters. "Let the final results come in... Once the results are out, just as we fought the elections together, all three parties will sit together and take a decision on who will be the CM," he said. Speaking about the alliance's expected victory, he added, "I thank the voters of Maharashtra. This is a landslide victory. I had said earlier that Mahayuti would secure a massive win. I am thankful to all sections of society and the workers of the Mahayuti parties." At his residence in Thane, celebrations erupted as Shiv Sena workers cheered and bouquets arrived in celebration. Shinde’s son, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, joined party members in celebrating their anticipated success. "As we had expected, we have secured impressive numbers. I thank all the voters who supported Mahayuti and gave us this landslide victory," said Shrikant Shinde. By 1:00 PM, Mahayuti had crossed the crucial majority threshold, securing victory in several constituencies and leading in more than 200 seats. Sweets were brought to the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and BJP’s Mumbai office was filled with jubilation, as party workers anticipated a resounding victory. BJP leader Vikas Pathak commented on the Election Commission of India (ECI) trends, stating, "We were expecting over 160 seats for Mahayuti, and that is exactly how it is shaping up. The lead could increase further. This year has been significant for BJP, with the party crossing 100 seats, and a Mahayuti Chief Minister is set to take office." Despite the celebrations, Pathak acknowledged that the final celebrations would only begin once the conclusive results are out and senior leaders like Devendra Fadnavis and possibly Maharashtra BJP Chief Pawan Bawankule join the festivities. In Baramati, where Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is leading by 15,382 votes, celebrations were also underway. Supporters were seen bursting crackers in celebration, with Pawar and other NCP leaders joining in the festivities. Reacting to the ongoing results, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate admitted that the results had not met the party’s expectations. "There is no doubt we could have done better. Our campaign was strong, but perhaps the public expects more from us, and we will strive to meet their expectations," she said. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the results, claiming they did not reflect the true sentiments of the people of Maharashtra. His comments were sharply criticised by BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, who defended Mahayuti's victory. "When anyone loses, they start making excuses for their defeat. In Maharashtra, we have worked for the upliftment of the poor, women, and farmers. Today, a government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi will form with a huge majority," he asserted. With the celebrations continuing across Maharashtra, all eyes will now be on the final decision regarding who will assume the post of Chief Minister. (With inputs from ANI)
23 November,2024 05:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAaditya Thackeray, representing the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), emerged victorious in the high-stakes Worli Assembly constituency, defeating his formidable rival Milind Deora from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction by a slim margin of 8,801 votes. This fiercely contested election was one of the most closely watched in Maharashtra, symbolising the Sena vs Sena rift that has redefined the state’s political landscape. Milind Deora, a former Congress MP who joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena earlier this year, garnered significant support in this traditional Shiv Sena stronghold, securing 54523 votes. Meanwhile, Aaditya’s win was complicated by a third competitor—Sandeep Deshpande of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who raked in 19367 votes, disrupting the younger Thackeray’s plans for a smoother victory. The stakes in Worli were particularly high, given Aaditya’s prior success in the constituency. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, he made his debut with a landslide victory, securing 89,248 votes and a commanding margin of 67,427 votes over his nearest rival. The contest gained added intensity with the participation of Milind Deora, a veteran politician from south Mumbai’s influential Deora family. Historically, the Deoras have wielded significant influence in the region, with Milind’s father, Murli Deora, serving as Mumbai South MP multiple times. This legacy lent Milind a strong base, making him a credible challenger to Aaditya. Adding to the drama, Sandeep Deshpande’s candidacy from the MNS proved to be a key factor in reducing Aaditya’s margin. The MNS, led by Aaditya’s estranged uncle Raj Thackeray, claimed to have 25,000 loyal voters in the constituency. Their presence undoubtedly fragmented the vote share, with political analysts speculating that without the MNS in the fray, Aaditya’s victory might have been far more comfortable. The election underscored the larger battle between the two Shiv Sena factions—Uddhav Thackeray’s MVA alliance and Eknath Shinde’s Mahayuti coalition. While Aaditya’s victory solidifies his position in the Worli constituency, the reduced margin is a wake-up call for the Shiv Sena (UBT) as they navigate a fractured political landscape. As the dust settles on this nail-biting contest, it is evident that the Sena vs Sena saga has reshaped Maharashtra politics. Aaditya Thackeray’s hard-fought victory, while significant, also highlights the challenges ahead for the Thackeray family’s political legacy in an increasingly competitive arena.
23 November,2024 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaAmid the ongoing counting of votes for the Maharashtra elections 2024, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the voters for a decisive victory. “This is a landslide victory,” he proclaimed, thanking diverse groups from farmers to senior citizens for their support. "I want to thank the people for giving us a thumping majority and a landslide victory. This is a reflection of the hard work we have done over the past 2.5 years. I especially want to thank my beloved sisters, farmers, youths, and all the segments of society who voted for us. This mandate is a big responsibility, and we are committed to fulfilling it," he said. When asked who will be the next Chief Minister, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "Let the final results come in first. Just as we fought the elections together, all three parties will come together to discuss and decide who will take on the role of Chief Minister." Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde said that there are several key factors behind this thumping victory of Mahayuti. “There are several key factors behind this thumping victory. The BJP and Shiv Sena had a natural alliance in Maharashtra, which was broken in 2019. This angered Balasaheb Thackeray’s supporters, and now they have made their voices heard,” said Vinod Tawde. He added, “The voters in Maharashtra have given a landslide victory to the Mahayuti under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis. Development works and the Ladki Behna Yojana played a significant role in our success. All our alliance partners worked hard. Eknath Shinde Ji upheld Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, and the people voted for him. The voters have shown their faith in us.” When asked about the Chief Minister’s post, Tawde said, “We will sit with our alliance partners and decide collectively.” The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in Maharashtra and was leading in 218 of the 288 assembly seats, as per figures of early trends in the counting the latest figures by the Election Commission. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats, as per the early trends. Indicating a landslide victory for the ruling alliance, TV channels said the Mahayuti was ahead in 222 seats and MVA in 56 constituencies, as counting of votes commenced Saturday morning in the November 20 elections. As per ECI figures, in the Mahayuti, BJP candidates were leading in 128 seats, Shiv Sena in 55 and NCP in 35 seats. In the MVA, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) candidates were leading in 13 seats, Congress in 20 and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in 17 seats. (With inputs from PTI)
23 November,2024 05:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra has collected letters of support from more than 160 of its candidates and some independents, pledging their backing for the alliance in forming a government in the state if voted to power, reported news agency PTI. The counting of votes for the Maharashtra elections 2024 to the 288-member legislative assembly held on November 20 began on Saturday. The letters of support collected from more than 160 candidates will be presented to the governor after declaration of results, sources said, reported PTI. According to the sources, it is a normal practice. Apart from the MVA candidates, some independents and rebels who may win the Maharashtra elections 2024 have also been approached, they said, reported PTI. The MVA comprises the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) of Sharad Pawar and Congress. The Congress had fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and NCP (SP) put up 86 nominees in the Maharashtra elections 2024. In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP contested 149 assembly seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. Counting of votes in the Maharashtra elections 2024 began Saturday morning, with all eyes on the outcome of the battle between the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is seeking to make a comeback. The counting of votes commenced at 8 am in all the counting centres in the state, an election official said. At the counting centres, officials first began verifying and counting the postal ballots, with the counting of EVM votes scheduled to start at 8.30 am. There will be a minimum of 20 rounds of counting in each assembly segment, an official said. The final turnout in the polls, held on November 20, was 66.05 per cent, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019. Counting of votes also began at 8 am for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll, where 67.81 per cent voting was recorded on November 20. Kolhapur district led with 76.63 per cent polling, followed by 75.26 per cent in Gadchiroli, which has some Left Wing Extremism affected pockets, while the lowest was in Mumbai island city at 52.07 per cent. Mumbai suburban district recorded 55.95 per cent polling. A total of 288 counting centres have been set up for the counting of votes. (With inputs from PTI)
23 November,2024 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is on course to retain power in Maharashtra. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) appeared stumbling, with its candidates leading in just 50 seats, a far cry from the boasts by many of its leaders that the combine will trounce the Mahayuti. The Mahayuti was leading in 222 seats and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was leading in 53 seats. According to the Election Commission's website at 3:30 pm today, the following is the party position in the outgoing vote counting: BJP 129, Shiv Sena 56, NCP 39, Congress 20, Shiv Sena (UBT) 19, NCP (SP) 12. As the state awaits, a key question looms large: Will the state assembly have a Leader of the Opposition (LoP)? According to constitutional provisions, the post of LoP is granted to the largest opposition party that secures at least 10 per cent of the total seats in the 288-member assembly, which translates to 29 seats. The said directions were issued by the first speaker of Lok Sabha G.V. Mavalankar and has been famously known as Mavalankar’s rule. Why the LoP post matters The Leader of the Opposition plays a critical role in maintaining checks and balances in a democracy. As the official voice of dissent, the LoP scrutinises government policies, provides alternative viewpoints, and represents the opposition’s stance on key issues. The absence of a LoP can tilt the balance of power heavily in favour of the ruling coalition, weakening the democratic fabric of the assembly. The road ahead To reclaim relevance, opposition parties must introspect and regroup. They need to address internal divisions, form stronger alliances, and present a unified front to voters. Without this effort, Maharashtra’s assembly may operate without an official LoP, depriving its democracy of a critical pillar. As the state inches closer to the elections, the numbers game will ultimately decide the fate of the opposition. If no party secures the requisite 29 seats, Maharashtra will join the growing list of assemblies across India where the LoP post remains vacant—an alarming trend for Indian democracy.
23 November,2024 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
