As Counting Begins, MVA Collects Letters Of Support From Over 160 Candidates To Form Maharashtra Govt

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra has gathered letters of support from over 160 candidates, including independents, as they prepare to stake their claim to form the government if voted to power. The move comes as counting begins for the November 20 elections to the 288-member legislative assembly.

Support from Independents and Rebels

A mix of pledges from MVA candidates, independents, and rebels, will be presented to the governor once the results are officially declared, PTI reported citing sources. Describing the collection as a standard political practice, insiders said it reflects the MVA's efforts to consolidate support ahead of a potential power struggle.

The MVA comprises the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP), and the Congress. In the elections, the Congress fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) contested 95 seats, and NCP (SP) nominated 86 candidates.

Counting Day Updates

As counting commenced on Saturday morning, early trends saw the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance leading in 31 seats, while the MVA trailed with leads in 18 constituencies. After the postal ballots were counted, the Mahayuti held leads in 26 seats, according to television reports. However, the Election Commission had yet to release an official update.

Among key candidates, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole was leading in Sakoli, while BJP's Vijaykumar Gavit was ahead in his constituency after the postal ballot count. The final vote count is expected to determine the fate of both alliances, with all eyes on this high-stakes battle for control of the state.

Polling and Counting Process

The counting of votes began at 8 a.m. across all centers, starting with the postal ballots, followed by EVM votes at 8:30 a.m. Election officials expect a minimum of 20 rounds of counting per assembly segment. This year's voter turnout was recorded at 66.05%, marking an increase from the 61.1% turnout in the 2019 assembly elections.

Ruling Alliance and MVA Strategies

The ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, contested 149 seats, while Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP contested 81 and 59 seats, respectively. Meanwhile, the MVA's combined strength in fielding candidates underscores its intent to challenge the BJP-led coalition.