MUMBAI: As the counting of votes for the Maharashtra assembly elections has begun, the initial results are in favor of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The alliance is leading in 150 seats. The Congress-led opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is leading in 99 seats. Prominent leaders like Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are ahead. Ajit Pawar is leading in Baramati, leaving Yugendra Pawar behind. Zeeshan Siddique is leading in Wandre East.
In Jharkhand, there is a neck-to-neck fight. Out of 77 seats, India alliance is ahead in 38 seats and NDA in 35 seats. Prominent leaders like Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Kalpana Soren and BJP state president Babulal Marandi are ahead.
Counting of votes started at 8 am this morning. The first signs emerged within seconds. A clear picture will be available by noon. The NDA is leading in most of the exit polls in the 288-member Maharashtra and 81-member Jharkhand assemblies. In Maharashtra, the battle is between the BJP-led Mahayuti Munni (NDA) and the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (India). The NDA is trying to oust the JMM-led 'India' Front government in Jharkhand in the elections to the 81-member assembly.