Exit Polls For Maharashtra Elections: Check Congress & Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Reactions

Despite exit polls suggesting that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will retain power in Maharashtra, Congress state chief Nana Patole remains confident of a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the assembly elections.

Patole asserted that the MVA would form the next government, with its Chief Minister set to take oath on November 25. Dismissing exit poll predictions, he cited past examples where such surveys were proven wrong. "Last time, they predicted a Congress win in Haryana, but we lost. Now, they are predicting our defeat, but we will surely win," Patole said, as quoted by NDTV.

He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that the BJP failed to improve its performance in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra. "If Modi couldn't boost their numbers, what can Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis achieve in this election?" he questioned.

On the other hand, the BJP has expressed confidence in securing a mandate. Party leader Milind Deora refrained from speculating on seat numbers but remained optimistic about forming the next government.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut was scathing in his criticism of exit polls, calling them "fraudulent." Referring to past errors, he said, "We saw exit polls predicting '400-plus' for BJP in Lok Sabha elections and Congress crossing 60 in Haryana. Now they're making claims for Maharashtra. Don't trust them. The MVA will win 160 seats and form the government."

Election Overview

The elections for Maharashtra's 288-member assembly were held in a single phase. Here's a breakdown of the key alliances and their candidates:

• BJP: Contesting 149 seats
• Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction): Contesting 81 seats
• NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): Contesting 59 seats
• Congress: Contesting 101 seats
• Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction): Contesting 95 seats
• NCP (Sharad Pawar faction): Contesting 86 seats

The results will determine the fate of these alliances as the state awaits the counting of votes on November 23.