In the ongoing 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Fahad Ahmad, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate, is leading in Mumbai’s Anushakti Nagar constituency. Ahmad has gained a margin of 5,886 votes over Sana Malik, the daughter of former MLA Nawab Malik, representing the rival Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.
Fahad Ahmad, known for his youth-centric leadership as the former state president of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, joined the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) in October 2023, marking a significant political shift. The Anushakti Nagar constituency, part of the Mumbai South-Central Lok Sabha seat, has become a focal point in the battle between the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar NCP factions.
Mahayuti Alliance Heads Towards a Landslide Victory
While the contest in Anushakti Nagar captures local attention, the broader trends from the Maharashtra Assembly elections showcase a decisive mandate for the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. As of 11:00 AM, the Mahayuti alliance has crossed the crucial majority mark, leading in 220 seats across the state.
The BJP is leading the charge with 128 seats, followed by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is ahead in 55 constituencies. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has secured leads in 35 seats, cementing its role in the alliance’s dominance.
Celebrations Begin at BJP Headquarters
As the alliance edges closer to a landslide victory, celebrations erupted at the BJP’s Mumbai office, with party workers distributing sweets and cheering for the imminent formation of a new government. Senior leaders have highlighted the state government’s initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing welfare schemes and farmer-friendly policies as the key factors behind their success.
Opposition Faces Setbacks
On the other side, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, is trailing significantly. The alliance is leading in only 51 seats, with Congress securing 20 seats, the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena leading in 16 seats, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction managing leads in 13 constituencies.
In a notable reaction to the trends, Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Shiv Sena UBT faction, expressed skepticism over the results, stating, “This cannot be the decision of the people of Maharashtra.” The BJP countered these claims, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla asserting that the alliance’s success is rooted in its work for the underprivileged and women’s empowerment.
Focus Shifts to Maharashtra’s Next Chief Minister
With the Mahayuti alliance poised to secure a historic victory, speculation is rife about who will assume the Chief Minister’s office. While Eknath Shinde currently holds the position, the internal dynamics of the alliance, including Ajit Pawar’s growing influence, might play a role in shaping the leadership for the next term.
As Maharashtra witnesses the unfolding of a politically charged election, the state braces for a government that promises to bring stability and progress under the BJP-led coalition.