Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Aaditya Thackeray leading over Shiv Sena's Milind Deora by a margin of 8801 votes after 17/17 rounds of counting in Worli Assembly constituency.  

#MaharashtraElection2024 | Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Aaditya Thackeray leading over Shiv Sena's Milind Deora by a margin of 8801 votes after 17/17 rounds of counting in Worli Assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/ceq38ugTYz

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024

Laddus being distributed at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in Thane as Mahayuti is all set to form the Government in the state once again, as per official EC trends.

#WATCH | #MaharashtraElection2024 | Laddus being distributed at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in Thane as Mahayuti is all set to form the Government in the state once again, as per official EC trends.

(Video: Office of Shrikant Shinde) pic.twitter.com/TRpHwwpvc4 — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate says, "Maharashtra election results are opposite to our expectations. There is no doubt that we could have done better. At the same time, we are happy that we have performed well in Jharkhand and we are going to repeat govt in the state. Maharashtra elections have been disappointing. In Maharashtra, our campaign was good but maybe the public expects more from us and we will deliver on their expectations. ..."

#WATCH | On Maharashtra election results, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate says, "Maharashtra election results are opposite to our expectations. There is no doubt that we could have done better. At the same time, we are happy that we have performed well in Jharkhand and we are… pic.twitter.com/C2ZqcdDSYY

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024

As Mahayuti has crossed halfway mark in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut says, "This cannot be the decision of the people of Maharashtra. We know what the people of Maharashtra want..."

#WATCH | Mumbai | As Mahayuti has crossed halfway mark in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut says, "This cannot be the decision of the people of Maharashtra. We know what the people of Maharashtra want..." pic.twitter.com/X2UgBdMOCH

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024

In every zone (except Marathwada and Konkan), the BJP leads on more seats than I.N.D.I Alliance put together.

Maharashtra:

In every zone (except Marathwada and Konkan), the BJP leads on more seats than I.N.D.I Alliance put together. Vidarbha - BJP (13) I.N.D.I (8) North MH - BJP (12) I.N.D.I (8) MMR - BJP (28) I.N.D.I (12) West MH - BJP (18) I.N.D.I (14) Konkan - BJP (3) I.N.D.I (3)… — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 23, 2024

Mahayuti wave in Maharashtra. BJP alliance Mahayuti crosses 200 seats. BJP: 105 SS: 51 NCP: 33  

Counting of votes is underway in Nashik for Maharashtra Assembly elections

#WATCH | Counting of votes is underway in Nashik for Maharashtra Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/K9gigkRNeC

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024

State Chief Electoral Officer Praises Efforts To Boost Voter Turnout State Chief Electoral Officer S. Chockalingam highlighted the Election Commission of India’s extensive efforts and meticulous planning for the Maharashtra elections. He noted that the strategies were executed with precision, resulting in a significant increase in the voter list compared to the Parliament elections. Special measures were implemented to simplify the voting process, particularly in areas like Mumbai, which had faced challenges during previous elections. Chockalingam remarked that the arrangements were widely praised this time. He also acknowledged the extensive work undertaken for the elections and expressed gratitude to voters for their participation, which he described as historic. He pointed out a 5% rise in voter turnout and credited the dedication of nearly 6 lakh officers and employees who worked diligently to ensure a smooth voting experience for everyone.

Congress’ Ashok Gehlot Confident Of Win As the vote counting for the Maharashtra Election 2024 approaches, senior Congress leader and Maharashtra observer Ashok Gehlot stated that the results would soon reveal the public's decision. Expressing confidence, he said the party believed the public had shown trust in the INDIA alliance, which contested the elections together. Gehlot highlighted the favorable atmosphere for the bloc and expressed optimism about forming the government. He also hoped for a smooth counting process.

How Votes Will Be Counted? On counting day, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are retrieved from the strong rooms in the presence of Election Commission (EC) Special Observers, returning officers, and representatives of the candidates. The entire process is recorded on video to maintain transparency. EVM control units are then transported to counting tables under CCTV monitoring. Polling agents check the unique ID numbers and seals on these units. A button on each unit reveals the vote tally for each candidate, which is documented on the results sheet. The counting process begins with ballot paper votes being tallied within the first 30 minutes. Following this, EVMs are opened in phases. For accuracy, a Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine is randomly selected by the Returning Officer for slip counting. This verification occurs in a secure booth after the EVM counting for the constituency concludes.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is vying for a fourth term as an MLA from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency in Thane, where he is expected to face tough competition from Kedar Dighe of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. Kedar Dighe, the nephew of the late Anand Dighe—a prominent Shiv Sena leader and Eknath Shinde's political mentor—currently heads the party's Thane district unit. Since 2009, Kopri-Pachpakhadi has been a stronghold for Shinde. This election holds particular significance as it marks the first direct contest between the rival Shiv Sena factions following the party's split.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is running for election in the Nagpur South-West constituency, where he faces a challenge from Congress candidate Gudadhe-Patil. Fadnavis has been representing this constituency since 2009, steadily establishing it as his stronghold.

When Will The Counting Begin? The vote counting for Maharashtra will start at 8 am on November 23. Early trends will appear soon after, but official results will be updated around 9:30 am. Winners are expected to be announced by noon or evening, with 145 seats needed for a majority in Maharashtra.