Mahayuti or MVA: Who Will Win Vidarbha? What Exit Polls Say

New Delhi: The BJP-led Mahayuti is expected to big win in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, predicted Republic PMARQ and Matrize exit polls on Wednesday. The Vidarbha region in eastern Maharashtra holds considerable political, economic, and cultural significance. Comprising 11 districts and 62 Assembly seats, it plays a pivotal role in shaping Maharashtra’s political dynamics. 

Stretching from Maoist-affected Gadchiroli to Nagpur, the region is also home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, the ideological backbone of the BJP.   

PMARQ Region-Wise Predictions

As per P-MARQ's projections, the Mahayuti alliance is likely to win 25-33 of Vidarbha's 62 seats, while the MVA is expected to secure 27-35 seats. Others are projected to claim 0-2 seats.   

Vidarbha: A Congress Stronghold Until the 1990s

The Vidarbha region holds immense significance in Maharashtra politics, with its electoral outcome often seen as a potential game-changer. Historically, it was a stronghold of the Congress until the BJP made significant inroads during the 1990s.

In the upcoming elections, Vidarbha remains a key battleground, with several political heavyweights in the fray. Prominent names include Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and state Congress president Nana Patole, representing both the Mahayuti and MVA alliances.

The Road to Power Runs Through Vidarbha

Vidarbha has consistently played a pivotal role in determining the political fate of Maharashtra.

2014 Assembly Elections

The BJP emerged victorious in 44 of the region’s 62 seats, while the Congress managed to win only 10. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, successfully completed its five-year term.

2019 Assembly Elections

The BJP's performance declined, securing 29 seats in Vidarbha, while the Congress improved its tally to 15 seats. Although the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won a majority, their coalition soon fell apart, plunging Maharashtra into a phase of political turmoil.