The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the dates for the much-anticipated assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, set to take place in November 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming elections, including important dates, voter statistics, and the political landscape.
Election Dates
Maharashtra
- Polling Date: November 20, 2024
- Term End: The current 288-member Maharashtra assembly’s term concludes on November 26, 2024.
Jharkhand
- Polling Dates: Jharkhand will conduct elections in two phases on November 13 and November 20, 2024.
- Term End: The Jharkhand assembly’s term ends on January 5, 2025.
Counting of Votes
Vote counting for both states will take place on November 23, 2024. This day will determine the new political landscape for the states as results are declared.
Key Voter Statistics
The elections will see participation from millions of eligible voters:
- Maharashtra: Approximately 9.63 crore eligible voters.
- Jharkhand: Around 2.6 crore eligible voters.
Important Election Timeline
Maharashtra
- Gazette Notification: October 22, 2024
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: October 29, 2024
- Scrutiny of Nominations: October 30, 2024
- Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures: November 4, 2024
Jharkhand
Elections will be held for 81 constituencies, including General, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe seats.
Political Landscape
Maharashtra
The upcoming elections are expected to be a major contest between two alliances:
- Maha Vikas Aghadi: Comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, this coalition aims to challenge the ruling party.
- Mahayuti Alliance: This ruling coalition includes BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), which will seek to retain power amid ongoing political dynamics.
Jharkhand
The ruling BJP has expressed confidence in securing a pro-incumbency vote, despite criticism aimed at Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s governance. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari is optimistic about the party’s prospects, emphasizing their readiness for the electoral battle.
Reflecting on Past Elections
The 2019 assembly elections in both states played a pivotal role in shaping their political landscapes. In Maharashtra, the BJP won 105 seats, while the Congress secured 44. Conversely, the 2019 Jharkhand elections saw a five-phase process resulting in a significant political shift.
In recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP faced a decline, winning only 9 out of 48 seats, a notable drop from the 23 seats won previously, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi captured 30 seats.
Conclusion
As Maharashtra and Jharkhand gear up for these crucial assembly elections, all eyes will be on voter turnout and the impact of political alliances. The upcoming polls will not only determine the governance of these states but also set the stage for the national political landscape in the months to come. Stay tuned for more updates as the election dates approach!