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The upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand are poised to be a crucial battleground, with significant implications for the future of Indian politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are both vying for victory in these states, each hoping to gain momentum for the upcoming national elections. The stakes are high, with both alliances eager to demonstrate their strength and solidify their positions.
In Maharashtra, the battle lines are drawn between the ruling Mahayuti, a coalition government led by the BJP and the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray's faction of Shiv Sena. The state's political landscape has been volatile in recent years, marked by power struggles and party splits. The 2019 assembly elections saw a decisive win for the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance, but the subsequent split within the Shiv Sena and the formation of the MVA government under Uddhav Thackeray created a dynamic shift. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections provided a strong indication of the MVA's resilience, with the alliance securing a majority of seats in the state. This victory gave the MVA confidence, but the BJP-led Mahayuti has since been working to counter this momentum and woo voters ahead of the assembly elections.
The Jharkhand elections, too, are anticipated to be closely contested. The BJP-led NDA is seeking to regain power after being in the opposition for the past five years. Facing them is the Hemant Soren-led JMM-Congress alliance, which has been in power since 2019. The BJP's campaign strategy in Jharkhand is heavily reliant on raising concerns about Bangladeshi infiltrators and their impact on tribal communities, promising implementation of the NRC to address this issue. While this tactic may resonate in some regions, its broader effectiveness remains to be seen. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, meanwhile, has skillfully leveraged the allegations of corruption and his short stint in jail to portray himself as a victim of political persecution, a strategy that has resonated with some segments of the electorate.
The outcomes of these elections will have a significant impact on the national political scene. A victory for the BJP in both states would reinforce its position in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and potentially serve as a major boost for the party's national campaign. On the other hand, victories for the INDIA bloc in either state would help the alliance to regain momentum after its setback in Haryana and could potentially serve as a rallying point for the opposition in the national elections. The results will be closely watched by both alliances, with the stakes higher than ever before.
Source: Maharashtra, Jharkhand assembly elections: What's at stake for BJP-led NDA, INDIA bloc