Sena-BJP leads in early trends, preparations underway at Sena Bhavan

Ahead of the verdict of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, preparations to celebrate were seen underway at Shiv Sena headquarters in Mumbai. While huge celebration preparations were underway at the BJP headquarters, Party flags were hoisted at the Shiv Sena Headquarters in Dadar. Sources reveal preparations are underway at the Sena Bhavan as well. Shiv Sena chief's son and the party's youth wing president Aaditya Thackeray also contested from Mumbai's Worli area.

According to early trends, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is leading in the State. The early trends at 9:30 am revealed the BJP-Sena alliance has raced ahead of Congress-NCP.

Two major alliances pitted in Maharashtra

The electoral battle between the two alliances — Mahayuti of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Republic Party of India will tussle with the Maha-agadhi led by NCP and Congress. BJP contested on 150 seats and Shiv Sena fought on 124 seats in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP fielded 14 candidates on the party's lotus symbol. Meanwhile, Congress and NCP contested polls on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats. A total of 3,239 candidates are in the fray for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections. Other prominent candidates from Maharashtra are Ashok Chavan, who is in the fray from Bhokar in Nanded district, and Prithviraj Chavan seeking re-election from Karad South in Satara district.

READ | Maharashtra Election: BJP confident; preparation to celebrate underway

Republic-Jan Ki Baat Exit poll

The Republic-Jan Ki Baat Exit Poll survey report projected victory for the saffron alliance of BJP-Shiv Sena. NDA is projected to secure seats in the range of 216 to 230 seats with incumbent BJP laying hold of a significant majority with 135 to 142 seats. Shiv Sena is also projected to secure 81 to 88 seats.

Political campaigns

Campaigns in Maharashtra saw the BJP focused on national issues like the abrogation of Article 370 and NRC and Citizenship Amendment Bill. BJP's campaigns also included taking digs at Congress and NCP leaders like Sharad Pawar and DK Shivakumar who are under the ED's scanner for alleged money laundering cases. Meanwhile, Congress and NCP alliance fought their campaigns by attacking the Centre on the economic slowdown and other issues.

READ | Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis' Nagpur SW seat prepares for vote-counting

READ | Maharashtra: Before count, posters of BJP's Patil winning in Kothrud