Election results 2024 LIVE updates: Here’s what business thinks about the numbers

On By Littum

Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates: Counting of votes began at 8 am on Saturday for the 2024 assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra along with urban polls in 15 states. The counting process will decide the fate of 288 seats in Maharashtra and 81 seats in Jharkhand, with early trends expected within the first few hours.

Maharashtra Assembly Elections

Voting in Maharashtra took place on Wednesday and recorded a voter turnout of over 66%, a significant increase from the 61% voter turnout during the 2019 elections. The contest is a direct clash between the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar).

State Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam credited the higher turnout to the efforts of the Election Commission. “The Election Commission of India gave considerable focus, attention and time to Maharashtra this time. Every strategy was conceptualized and implemented with high precision. This resulted in a significant addition to the electoral roll between the general election and the current election,” Chockalingam said, adding that close to 6 lakh officials ensured smooth polling.

Chockalingam also highlighted improved arrangements in urban areas such as Mumbai that addressed earlier logistical challenges. “Efforts were made to facilitate voting, especially in places like Mumbai… This time everyone appreciated the arrangements,” he noted.

Jharkhand Assembly Elections

In Jharkhand, the first phase of polling took place on November 13 for 43 of the 81 seats, while the second phase was held on November 20. The primary battle is between the JMM-led alliance – comprising Congress, RJD and CPI(ML) – and the BJP-led NDA, which includes AJSU, JD(U) and LJP.

Exit polls predict an advantage for the NDA, estimating 42-47 seats, while the JMM-led alliance is expected to secure 25-30 seats.

Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar shared details of the counting process. “One counting center each has been set up in all 24 districts… Counting of postal votes will begin at 8 am and EVM counting will begin at 8:30 am.”

Jharkhand recorded a voter turnout of 68.45%, surpassing the 65% voter turnout of 2019. In the last election, JMM secured 30 seats, BJP 25 and Congress 16, forming a government led by JMM.