With the results of the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections set to be announced on Saturday, November 23, 2024, political parties are taking precautionary measures to safeguard their winning candidates and prevent any potential defections or poaching in the critical phase leading up to government formation.
In Maharashtra, the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde), and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), along with the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), are actively mobilizing their newly-elected MLAs to the state capitals—Mumbai and Ranchi. Both alliances have instructed their victorious candidates to reach the capitals by Saturday evening, aiming to consolidate their numbers and ensure swift decision-making as the deadline for the current Assembly’s term (November 26, 2024) looms. This heightened vigilance comes amid concerns that if a new government is not formed by the end of the term, President’s Rule could be imposed.
Mahayuti’s Preparations The BJP-led Mahayuti is confident about retaining power, with leaders asserting that they will maintain their majority. “We have set up a detailed plan to manage logistics and ensure that our MLAs remain with the alliance. We’re also in touch with independent and rebel candidates who have a strong chance of winning,” a BJP leader shared. Senior party leaders from New Delhi are overseeing the preparations, including critical meetings aimed at ensuring a smooth government formation process.
MVA’s Strategy On the other hand, the MVA, comprising the Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), is hopeful of a comeback, buoyed by grassroots support and anti-incumbency sentiment. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that all newly-elected MLAs will be housed together in Mumbai to prevent any potential poaching attempts. “We are confident of securing at least 160 seats. Some independents have already shown interest in supporting us,” Raut said, adding that the alliance leadership is prepared for multiple scenarios.
Vigilance in Jharkhand Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, political parties are also on high alert. Sources reveal that winning candidates have been instructed to head straight to Ranchi after receiving their election certificates to minimize the risk of poaching. Party workers have set up camp near counting centers, where candidates are visiting to meet and encourage vigilance throughout the counting process.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) called for heightened alertness ahead of the vote count. “Tomorrow is a historic day for the counting of votes in the Jharkhand Assembly elections. I urge all our colleagues in the JMM and the INDIA alliance to stay vigilant and ensure we maintain our integrity throughout the counting process,” he posted on X.
BJP’s Confidence in Jharkhand BJP’s state unit president, Babulal Marandi, expressed optimism about the party’s prospects. “Based on feedback from our workers at the booth level, I’m confident that the BJP-led NDA will win at least 51 seats,” he said.
In addition to the assembly results, votes will also be counted for by-elections held across 48 assembly seats and two parliamentary constituencies in 15 states, including the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting.
As the election results approach, all parties are preparing for a highly charged post-result phase, with strategic moves already in place to secure their positions in government formation.
