As the counting began in Maharashtra, early leads were in favour of the ruling Mahayuti, as predicted by most exit polls. Though only postal ballots are being counted in the early phase, the Mahayuti, an alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar) has a steady lead in the state.
As of 9:30 am, the Mahayuti has crossed 100 as lead, while the MVA struggled between 20 and 30.
Most exit polls predicted that Mahayuti would have an edge, though some were in favour of the MVA. A chance of a hung Assembly was also predicted.
Jharkhand Election Results
Things are in favour of the NDA in Jharkhand too with the BJP-led alliance establishing a clear lead. As per exit polls, Jharkhand will see a neck-to-neck fight.
The results will decide the fate of a total of 1,211 candidates, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren who contested from Barhait, his wife Kalpana from Gandey, former CM and BJP state president Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar and ex-CM Champai Soren from Seraikela.
The BJP camp is already upbeat with spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo stating a new era is starting in Jharkhand. "Not only the counting of votes has started in Jharkhand but a new era is also starting with the end of misrule of Soren govt. Hemant Soren is on his way out and we will come back with a thumping majority," he added.