NEW DELHI: An alliance led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party was set to retain power in the western state of Maharashtra, according to official election results on Saturday evening.
The Mahayuti alliance led by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was leading on most seats, with the BJP alone winning 125 and leading on seven others. Its ally, Shiv Sena, won 54 seats and was ahead on three others.
On the other hand, of the total 288 seats, the main opposition Congress party-led Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance was set to win more than 40.
Maharashtra, home to financial hub Mumbai, is India’s richest state.
The BJP, however, lost in the eastern state of Jharkhand. The Mukti Morcha party, which has an alliance with Congress, won most seats in the 81-member assembly.
Reacting to the party’s spectacular performance in Maharashtra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said good governance and development has won.
“United we will soar even higher! Heartfelt gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra, especially the youth and women of the state, for a historic mandate to the NDA (ruling National Democratic Alliance). This affection and warmth is unparalleled,” Modi wrote on X.
Maharashtra voted on Nov. 20, while elections in Jharkhand were held in two phases on Nov. 13 and 20. Vote counting was conducted on Saturday.
