NEW DELHI: BJP-led grand alliance retained power in Maharashtra with a resounding victory, dealing a setback to the Congress, which was hoping to replicate its Lok Sabha performance in the state. However, the Congress found solace in retaining power in Jharkhand through its alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

In Maharashtra's 288-member assembly, the BJP secured a record 133 seats, paving the way for a return to the Chief Minister's office, previously held by Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde. The new government is expected to be sworn in tomorrow, as it must be formed before the November 26 deadline.

The elections saw notable gains for Eknath Shinde's breakaway Shiv Sena faction, which won 57 seats and Ajit Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which secured 41 seats. Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction (20) and Sharad Pawar's NCP faction (10) suffered losses. The Congress won 16 seats, maintaining a minimal presence in the assembly.

Hemant Soren makes history

In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren's JMM-led 'India' front, comprising the Congress (16 seats) and RJD (4 seats), retained power with a total of 34 seats in the 81-member assembly. The BJP-led alliance managed only 24 seats, falling short of expectations.

Soren created history by becoming the first Chief Minister of Jharkhand to secure consecutive terms. His family also celebrated electoral success, with his wife Kalpana Soren and younger brother Basant Soren winning their respective seats.

Outside of Kerala, the NDA continued to make significant inroads, registering gains in several Assembly and Lok Sabha by-elections across the country.