In the wake of assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has dispatched observers from the All India Congress Committee to monitor post-election developments. According to the official release, noted leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel have been assigned observer roles in Maharashtra, along with Dr G Parameshwara. Jharkhand will see guidance from figures like Tariq Anwar and Krishna Allavuru.

The fierce political battleground in Maharashtra pits the BJP-Mahayuti alliance against the Maha Vikas Agadhi, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SCP). The tight race for Maharashtra’s 288-seat assembly means Mahayuti needs at least 145 seats for a majority. Exit polls, like those for P-MARQ, expect a narrow win for the ruling coalition.

In Jharkhand, the BJP’s alliance with smaller regional parties aims to topple the JMM-led government. The BJP-led NDA looks poised for a win, predicted by Chanakya Strategies to secure between 45-50 seats out of 81. Exit polls have notably indicated a potential shift in power dynamics towards the incumbent JMM alliance.

(With input from agencies.)