New Delhi: The Election Commission has officially announced the dates for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections, along with elections for 48 assembly and 2 parliamentary seats across various states. In Maharashtra, elections will take place in a single phase on November 20, while Jharkhand will have a two-phase election, with voting scheduled for November 13 and November 20. The results for both states will be declared on November 23. The term of the Maharashtra Assembly ends on November 26, while the Jharkhand Assembly's term concludes on January 5, 2025. In Jharkhand, there are 11.84 lakh first-time voters among a total of 2.6 crore voters spread across 24 districts and 81 assembly seats. There are 1,186 polling stations, with specific arrangements for persons with disabilities (PWD) and women-managed booths. Notably, 1.14 lakh voters are aged 85 and above. Maharashtra has 9.63 crore voters, with 1.85 crore in the 20-29 age group. Among them, 20.93 lakh are first-time voters. Additionally, by-elections for 48 assembly seats in 13 states are also expected to be announced, covering regions like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and more.

Political Landscape in Maharashtra

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP faced a decline, winning only 9 seats out of 23 in Maharashtra, while the opposition INDIA alliance secured 30 seats. The current government in Maharashtra comprises a coalition of Shiv Sena, BJP, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). The party faces challenges such as anti-incumbency sentiments and competition among six major parties. The last assembly elections in 2019 saw the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance winning a significant number of seats, but internal disputes led to a breakup of the coalition, resulting in a new government formed by Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress.

Political Context in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is currently governed by a coalition led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), with Congress, RJD, and left parties as partners. The BJP's challenge lies in winning seats in the Santhal Pargana and Kolhan regions, where they have historically struggled. The political landscape has been turbulent, with the current Chief Minister Hemant Soren facing legal challenges and political maneuvering leading to changes in party allegiances. As India heads towards the elections in 2024, the political dynamics in these states are set to be closely contested, with various factors influencing voter sentiments and outcomes.