NDA vs INDIA bloc: 2 states to elect new governments today

Millions of votes cast across Maharashtra, Jharkhand and 48 assembly bypolls and two parliamentary bypolls in 15 states will be counted beginning 8am on Saturday, bringing the curtain down on the second round of assembly polls since the Lok Sabha contest as well as the final elections this year.

The results will determine the momentum of national politics and set the stage for a significant set of elections next year, including in Delhi and Bihar. Exit polls predict that the Mahayuti holds an edge in Maharashtra but predict a more fluid picture in Jharkhand.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said, "It appears that women are voted in big number. Whenever the voter percentage goes up, it benefits the BJP and Mahayuti and its a proven track. We will form the government and will give a good chief minister."

Maharashtra recorded 66.05% polling during the single-phase polling on November 20. There were a total of 4,136 candidates in the fray, including 373 women and 2,086 independents. Jharkhand recorded 67.74% polling during the two-phase elections on November 13 and 20. There were a total of 1,211 candidates in the fray, including 128 women and 530 independents.

Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi said NDA will win more than 51 seats in the state. "As per the feedback we have from assembly level, booth level workers and party leaders, we will cross the target of 51 we had set ahead of the polls. The NDA is set to form the next government," he said.