The results of by-elections held in the assemblies of two states and 40 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats in 15 states of the country were released on Saturday. These results are being considered as an indication of understanding the political mood of the country after the Lok Sabha elections. With the historic victory of Mahayuti in Maharashtra, BJP gave a huge blow to the opposition.
BJP’s grand victory in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, BJP and its alliance won more than 130 seats alone in a record-breaking performance. This victory broke the political record of the last 50 years in Maharashtra. There were not even enough seats left for the opposition to become Leader of the Opposition. BJP’s vote share has increased to over 26%, and the party performed with an 88% strike rate.
NDA’s allies also performed strongly. Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 41 seats. On the other hand, Congress, Uddhav Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP suffered a major setback.
BJP’s strategy and performance
The impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and BJP’s ‘performance politics’ on the public was clearly visible. The party has won more than 100 seats in Maharashtra in three consecutive assembly elections, making it the only party to do so.
Chief Minister’s race: Fadnavis or Shinde?
Now the biggest question in Maharashtra politics is regarding the post of Chief Minister. Supporters of Devendra Fadnavis believe that he will become the Chief Minister, but current CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are also contenders.
Hemant Soren returns to Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led INDIA block registered a landslide victory. The alliance secured 56 seats, while the NDA was reduced to just 24 seats. Breaking the 24 year old tradition, Jharkhand gave another chance to the ruling party.
BJP benefits in by-elections
BJP and its allies performed brilliantly in the by-elections held on 48 assembly seats in 15 states. BJP won 20 seats, up from 11, while NDA won a total of 28 seats. The party’s performance was impressive in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan.
What do the results say?
The results of Maharashtra and by-elections show the success of BJP’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ slogan. At the same time, Hemant Soren has strengthened his hold in Jharkhand. Overall, this election cycle has proved beneficial for BJP and NDA.