Mumbai: Maharashtra is currently embroiled in a tight electoral battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc as votes are tallied for the state’s 48 Lok Sabha seats. Presently, the NDA holds an edge on 26 seats, with the INDIA alliance leading on 20.
The political landscape of the state has undergone significant changes, marked by factional divisions within the Shiv Sena and NCP following the rebellions led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 23 seats in Maharashtra, while its erstwhile ally Shiv Sena (prior to the split) claimed 18. The then united NCP clinched four constituencies, with the Congress managing just one seat.
Maharashtra ranks second in terms of parliamentary representation after Uttar Pradesh, with 80 seats. The outcome of this electoral showdown could potentially influence the composition of the central government.
Notable figures vying for victory include Nitin Gadkari, Narayan Rane, Piyush Goyal, Bharti Pawar, Raosaheb Danve, Kapil Patil, all serving as Union Ministers, along with contenders like Navneet Kaur-Rana, Ujjwal Nikam, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale, Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Sunil Tatkare, among others.