Mumbai, June 4: Surprising electoral dynamics unfold in Maharashtra as the opposition parties, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (SP), take the lead in 10 and eight Lok Sabha seats respectively, amidst ongoing vote counting on Tuesday.
Amidst this unexpected turn, the ruling allies Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, secure a lead in five seats, notably in Kalyan where his son, Dr. Shrikant E. Shinde, contests. Conversely, the Nationalist Congress Party, led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, awaits breakthroughs, with no leads, including in Baramati, where his wife, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting.
As of 10 a.m., Shiv Sena (UBT) charts the course in 10 seats, while NCP (SP) follows closely with leads in eight seats, reflecting a noteworthy shift in Maharashtra's political landscape.
Observers speculate a 'sympathy factor' at play for Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, following their respective factional splits in June 2022 and July 2023, which significantly impacted their political fortunes.
Meanwhile, the BJP maintains its momentum with progress in 16 seats, while the Congress trails with leads in seven seats.
With considerable fluctuations, dramatic swings, and razor-thin margins, Maharashtra's 48 Lok Sabha seats promise a plethora of surprises, underscoring the unpredictable nature of electoral outcomes.
