The Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024 and Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024 highlighted the crucial role of voter sentiment, especially among Hindu voters, in shaping electoral outcomes. The unification or fragmentation of this voter base proved decisive in determining the ruling alliances in both states.
Hindu Voter Influence in Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024
The slogan “Ek hain toh safe hain” echoed across Maharashtra, boosting the Mahayuti alliance led by Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), and Ajit Pawar (NCP). In previous elections (2014, 2019, and now 2024), a united Hindu vote consistently powered the BJP to victory. However, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, some Hindu voters withheld their support, reflecting dissatisfaction with the Modi government’s handling of Hindu-centric issues. This shift contributed to the BJP’s shortfall in securing a national majority.
Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024 Results
Party Seats Won
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 132
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) 57
Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) 41
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) 20
Indian National Congress (INC) 16
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) 10
Others 12
Who Will Be the Next CM of Maharashtra?
With the BJP emerging as the largest party, Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post. However, since Eknath Shinde served as CM before the polls, he may continue at least until the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The final decision will hinge on alliance dynamics and strategic priorities.
Mahayuti Government: Symbol of Stability
The landslide win reflects public trust in Mahayuti’s governance, especially its focus on development, law and order, and pro-Hindu welfare policies. The slogan popularized by Yogi Adityanath during the campaign played a key role in consolidating the Hindu vote.
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Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024: JMM-INC Alliance Triumphs
Unlike Maharashtra, Jharkhand saw a victory for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Indian National Congress (INC) alliance, relegating the BJP to second place despite its intensive campaign.
Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha Elections 2024 Results
Party Seats Won
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) 34
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 21
Indian National Congress (INC) 16
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) 4
CPI (ML-L) 2
Others 4
Why the BJP Couldn’t Succeed in Jharkhand?
BJP’s setback stemmed from regional challenges: local leadership issues, tribal rights concerns, and the JMM’s strong grassroots connect. The JMM-INC alliance’s focus on tribal welfare, land rights, and social security resonated deeply with the electorate.
The Role of Alliances and Strategy in Maharashtra
The Mahayuti alliance showcased the power of united leadership. The BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar) merged their strengths to deliver victory, campaigning on themes of development, infrastructure, and Hindutva identity. Their booth-level management, use of technology, and social media outreach ensured broad voter engagement. The slogan “Ek hain toh safe hain” helped mobilize the core Hindu vote seeking stability.
The Opposition’s Struggles in Maharashtra
The Uddhav Thackeray faction, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress failed to present a united front. Internal rifts and lack of a cohesive agenda weakened their electoral prospects, giving Mahayuti the edge.
Jharkhand’s Mandate: Regional Priorities First
In Jharkhand, the mandate reflected the electorate’s preference for a government committed to tribal rights, land reforms, and youth employment. The JMM-INC-RJD alliance effectively addressed local concerns, gaining voter trust.
BJP’s Challenges in Jharkhand
Despite its national standing and campaign resources, the BJP couldn’t shake the perception that its focus was too national-centric rather than addressing Jharkhand’s local needs. The opposition successfully positioned itself as the protector of the state’s cultural and economic identity.
The Way Forward
The elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand underline the importance of alliances, governance records, and regional issues in state politics. These factors will likely shape strategies for upcoming polls, including the BMC elections and other state assemblies.
Conclusion
The 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections demonstrate the evolving nature of Indian politics. In Maharashtra, the Hindu voter base was pivotal for Mahayuti’s success, while in Jharkhand, regional sentiment and strategic alliances propelled the JMM-INC combine to victory. Voter priorities are increasingly aligned with governance performance and local issues over broader national narratives.