Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has appointed senior leaders as observers for the post-election scenario in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The move underscores the party’s focus on strategizing for potential outcomes as vote counting in both states is set for November 23.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has chosen Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, and Dr. G Parameshwara to oversee Maharashtra. In Jharkhand, the observers include Tariq Anwar, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Krishna Allavuru. Their roles will involve closely monitoring developments after the results are declared, ensuring the party responds swiftly to any political shifts.
In Maharashtra, a fierce contest is unfolding between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), composed of the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar's NCP faction. With 288 seats in the assembly, the majority threshold stands at 145.
In Jharkhand, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is eyeing victory against the incumbent Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance.
The BJP has joined forces with regional parties such as the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United), and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). On the other side, the JMM is backed by Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist).
Exit polls have painted a competitive picture in Maharashtra. Projections suggest that the Mahayuti alliance could win between 137-157 seats, while the MVA might secure 126-147 seats.
Smaller parties and independents are expected to play a marginal role. Chanakya Strategies predicts a slightly stronger edge for the Mahayuti, estimating it will win 152-150 seats compared to the MVA’s 130-138 seats.
In Jharkhand, the NDA seems to have an advantage over the ruling JMM coalition, according to most exit polls. Chanakya Strategies estimates the BJP-led alliance could win 45-50 seats, while the JMM alliance may secure 35-38 seats.
Other parties might capture 3-5 seats. Similarly, People’s Pulse suggests the NDA could bag 44-53 seats, with the JMM coalition trailing at 25-37 seats.
Both states are witnessing high-stakes political battles. In Maharashtra, the BJP’s strategy of uniting with multiple factions faces a resilient MVA, which hopes to overcome internal divisions to challenge the ruling bloc. In Jharkhand, the BJP is leveraging its alliances to capitalise on the perceived weaknesses of the JMM-led government.
Observers predict that outcomes in both states could shape the national political narrative, especially as parties gear up for the general elections in 2024. The Congress, which aims to revive its fortunes, has highlighted the role of its alliances in countering the BJP’s influence.
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