The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the election schedule for the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The elections will take place on November 20, 2024, with counting of votes scheduled for November 23. Jharkhand will conduct its voting in two phases: the first on November 13 and the second on November 20, coinciding with Maharashtra’s election day.
Election Schedule Overview
- Maharashtra:
- Voting Date: November 20, 2024
- Total Assembly Seats: 288
- Eligible Voters: Approximately 9.63 crore
- Polling Stations: Over 100,000
- Term End: Current assembly term ends on November 26, 2024
- Jharkhand:
- Voting Phases:
- Phase 1: November 13, 2024
- Phase 2: November 20, 2024
- Total Assembly Seats: 81
- Eligible Voters: Over 2.6 crore
- Polling Stations: Over 29,000, including 1,271 women-managed and 48 for persons with disabilities (PwD)
- Term End: Current assembly term ends on January 5, 2025.
- Voting Phases:
Political Landscape
Maharashtra
The Maharashtra elections are poised to be a significant battleground featuring two main alliances:
- Mahayuti Coalition: This includes the ruling BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
- Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA): Comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP-SP.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, particularly following the death of NCP leader Baba Siddique on October 12. The MVA has criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government, citing concerns over law and order and releasing a detailed “chargesheet” against the ruling coalition, alleging corruption and mismanagement.
Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, the political contest pits the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the BJP. The JMM is campaigning vigorously, aiming to retain power amidst the NDA’s strong performance in recent Lok Sabha elections. The BJP’s central leadership, including JP Nadda and Amit Shah, is actively involved in finalizing candidates for all 81 seats.
Election Commission Initiatives
The elections commisions of India is emphasizing voter participation and accessibility. Key initiatives include:
- Home Voting Facility: Available for voters aged 85 or above and persons with disabilities, allowing them to vote from home by filling out Form 12D.
- Security and Facilities: The ECI is committed to ensuring a smooth electoral process, with basic facilities at polling stations to create a festive atmosphere for voters.
Conclusion
The upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand are expected to shape the political landscape significantly. With intense campaigning and high stakes involved, the focus will be on voter turnout and the effectiveness of election management by the ECI. As November approaches, the political climate in both states is likely to heat up, with parties ramping up their strategies to secure electoral success.
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