Maharashtra is set to elect representatives for its 288 assembly seats, which include 234 general seats, 25 reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 29 for Scheduled Castes (SC).

Out of the 9.63 crore registered voters in the state, 4.97 crore are male, and 4.66 crore are female.

Schedule for General Election to Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra, 2024

Single Phase (288 ACs)
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification: 22.10.2024 (Tuesday)
Last Date of Making Nominations: 29.10.2024 (Tuesday)
Date for Scrutiny of nominations: 30.10.2024 (Wednesday)
Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures: 04.11.2024 (Monday)
Date of Poll: 20.11.2024 (Wednesday)
Date of Counting: 23.11.2024 (Saturday)
Date before which election shall be completed: 25.11.2024 (Monday)

Currently,the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra currently holds 218 seats, while the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi has 78 seats.

The main competition is expected between the ruling alliance, Mahayuti, and the opposition coalition, Mahavikas Aghadi. However, several smaller parties are also trying to make their mark. The election results will likely depend on various factors, including the influence of populist schemes and key issues like the Maratha reservation.

In the midst of these developments, several notable leaders are emerging as key players in the race. The term of the legislative assembly of Maharashtra ends on November 26.

Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), is making a determined effort to reclaim his political influence, which saw significant success in 2009. Thackeray has recently taken notable steps, including announcing plans to field candidates in over 200 seats, signaling a strong push in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar, who left the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to join the Mahayuti government last July, is aiming for the chief minister’s post. Currently serving as the deputy chief minister and managing the finance department, Pawar is working on reshaping his public image through his ongoing Jan Samman Yatra.

Jarange Patil has hinted at the possibility of contesting the state assembly elections. His potential candidacy could secure him a few seats, and his influence may extend to about 25 other constituencies.

In the 2014 elections, the BJP secured 122 seats, while the Shiv Sena obtained 63 seats. On the other hand, the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) managed to win only 42 and 41 seats, respectively.