Political Turmoil in Maharashtra: Impact on BJP's Alliance Strategy and Electoral Projections

The political landscape in Maharashtra has undergone significant shifts since the 2019 general elections, particularly with the Shiv Sena and the NCP experiencing internal divisions. The effectiveness of the BJP's strategy of forging alliances in this changed scenario is questioned. The latest edition of the India Today Mood of the Nation poll, conducted before the crucial 2024 general election, suggests that the BJP and its allies might secure 22 out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. This represents a decrease of 19 seats compared to the NDA's performance in 2019. Conversely, the Congress-led INDIA bloc is projected to gain 26 seats, a substantial increase from their previous performance. The poll, conducted between December 15, 2023, and January 28, 2024, surveyed 35,801 respondents across all Lok Sabha constituencies. It's important to note the inherent uncertainty in opinion polls. The shifts in political alliances within Maharashtra since 2019, with the Shiv Sena and NCP splitting and their official units aligning with the BJP, have further complicated the electoral dynamics