Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that the recent assembly election results indicate a “big conspiracy”, casting doubt on the perceived landslide victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti combine. Speaking to reporters, Raut argued that the results do not truly reflect the mandate of the people, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the current government.

“I see a big conspiracy in this… This is not the mandate of Marathi ‘manoos’ and farmers,” Raut said, stressing that there is no connection between the election results and the reality of voters’ sentiments. He expressed skepticism about the integrity of the election and suggested that financial influence played a significant role. “How can all MPs from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde win? How can Ajit Pawar, whose betrayal angered Maharashtra, secure victory?” questioned the Rajya Sabha MP.

As counting progresses, the Mahayuti alliance appears poised to retain control of the state, reportedly leading in 204 of the 288 assembly seats, according to the latest Election Commission figures. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is struggling with candidates leading in only 47 seats.

The ruling coalition includes the BJP, which contested 149 seats, the Shiv Sena, which fielded 81 candidates, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which contested 59 constituencies. Meanwhile, MVA’s lineup included 101 Congress candidates, 95 from Shiv Sena (UBT) and 86 from NCP (SP).

Now as counting progresses, the BJP-led Mahayuti is heading for a resounding victory in Maharashtra as the alliance is set to win around 218 seats while Maha Vikas’ Aghadi is leading by 54 votes.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emerged as the star of the show as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti moved towards registering a resounding victory in the 2024 assembly elections.

While there is no confirmation on the next CM face from the Mahayuti alliance, comprising Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar), Fadnavi’s name tops the list of speculations.

Fadnavis is comfortably set for victory in Nagpur South West, while Eknath Shinde is in command in Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency.

As the count continues, the BJP is seen leading in 124 of the 149 seats it contested, translating to a staggering 83% strike rate.