NEW DELHI: Maharashtra holds great significance for all political parties due to being the state with the second-highest number of Lok Sabha seats, totaling 48, trailing only behind Uttar Pradesh with 80 seats. Known for its electoral unpredictability, Maharashtra presents a formidable challenge for parties vying for a sweeping victory. With its substantial Lok Sabha representation, the state plays a pivotal role in determining outcomes during critical junctures.While regional parties exert considerable influence, Maharashtra also serves as a stronghold for major national parties such as the BJP, NCP, and Congress.
The upcoming general election in Maharashtra is set to unfold across five distinct phases from April 19 to May 20. Following the model code of conduct announcement for the Lok Sabha election 2024, political activities surged in Maharashtra.
The rapid calculations of permutations and combinations between parties, along with their efforts to court allies, have left even seasoned observers bewildered. It’s becoming increasingly challenging to discern which camp each party belongs to. Whether intentional or not, this chaos has guaranteed that the narratives surrounding the 2024 Lok Sabha election will endure for years to come.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured victory in 23 out of the 25 contested seats, while the united Shiv Sena clinched 18 out of 23 seats. The undivided NCP, which was part of the opposition alliance, contested 19 seats and managed to win four.
This time, there isn’t a clear trend favoring any side. It’s a tough fight for every seat. Some people thought Maharashtra’s 2024 election would be a simple battle between two groups, but it’s not that simple. The 48 contests in Maharashtra are influenced by many different factors like local issues, community ties, family connections, and personal interests.
The intense Lok Sabha battle in Maharashtra is evident with prominent figures from various parties contesting this time. The BJP has put forward two highly-discussed Union ministers, Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, a stronghold of the RSS, and Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North. Meanwhile, Supriya Sule, daughter of former chief minister Sharad Pawar, is poised to uphold the family legacy by running for the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency.