Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly, and Parliamentary By-Elections: A Test of Popularity for Political Parties

The upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, along with the parliamentary and assembly by-elections, are a critical test of popularity for political parties across India. All parties are optimistic about their chances, but ultimately, the voters—silent yet decisive—will determine the fate of both national and regional political leaders. These elections, being the last of 2024, hold particular importance for every party involved.

Maharashtra
Maharashtra will head to the polls on November 20, 2024, to elect 288 members of the state's Legislative Assembly. The deadline for filing nominations is October 29, 2024, with results expected on November 23, 2024. Leaders from major parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), Shiv Sena (factions led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar), and others such as the Maha Vikas Aghadi, CPI, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party, are all vying for control.

Political alliances, particularly under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA), will play a significant role in this election. Voters will choose not only the party but the alliance they believe can best lead Maharashtra forward. The outcome remains unpredictable, but the electorate will ultimately decide the state's future government.

Jharkhand
Jharkhand voters will participate in two phases of elections on November 13 and 20, 2024, to elect 81 members of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Results will be announced on November 23, 2024. National parties such as the BJP, INC, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Janata Dal, CPI(M), All Jharkhand Student Union, Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) are expected to field candidates. 

The key question in Jharkhand is whether these parties will form alliances under the NDA or UPA banners. The results will provide a clear indication of which parties hold sway in the state and reflect their popularity heading into 2025.

Lok Sabha By-Elections
Two parliamentary constituencies, Wayanad and Nanded, are also heading for by-elections. Wayanad is particularly significant, as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi previously held the seat before resigning in favor of retaining his Rae Bareli seat. His sister, Priyanka Vadra, will now contest from this Congress stronghold, a seat traditionally safe for the Gandhi family. The results from these by-elections will be closely watched, especially given the family's involvement.

Assembly By-Elections in 15 States

Additionally, 48 assembly seats in 15 states will hold by-elections, with Punjab hosting four crucial contests. In Punjab, the results will gauge the popularity of parties such as Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal (both Badal and Mann factions). For these parties, retaining or improving their vote share from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is critical. The results could also signal future voting trends ahead of the municipal corporation and committee elections in Punjab.

Authored by:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru
Journalist,  
Jalandhar City.