The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra has been leading with thumping majority in the early trends with over 200 seats while the Congress-backed Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with nearly 52 seats.
This comes as most exit polls also predicted a victory for the NDA alliance. According to Election Commission of India (ECI), BJP is leading in 124 seats while Shiv Sena was ahead in 56 seats and NCP 37 as on 12 pm.
Starting early, he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the BJP's youth wing, setting the stage for a career defined by leadership and strategy. In 1997, he became Nagpur’s youngest mayor at 27, marking his entry into public life with a focus on governance.
Fadnavis was elected to the Maharashtra legislative assembly from Nagpur in 1999, a constituency he has represented ever since.
His stature within the BJP grew, leading to his appointment as Maharashtra’s chief minister in 2014, making him the state’s second-youngest CM.
As the Mahayuti coalition takes a decisive lead in Maharashtra, the BJP's seat tally is set to rise from 105 in 2019, as per current projections.
However, the question remains that who will sit on the CM's chair. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has been the CM ever since his camp joined the Mahayuti while former CM Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar have been deputy CMs.
Now, this equation is likely to change depending on the number of seats for each alliance partners. BJP has been playing second fiddle in the coalition though they have more seats than Shiv Sena.
What party members has to say?
Voter turnout increase benefits Saffron party
Maharashtra polled approximately 65 per cent votes in the election for 288 seats in the state, which saw a keen contest between Mahayuti and MVA.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the BJP's candidate from Nagpur South-West constituency, has asserted that the saffron party always gains an advantage whenever there is an increase in voter turnout.
“We will get the benefit and our government will be formed in Maharashtra. The voting percentage may have increased due to pro-incumbency. It means feeling affection for the government,” said the Deputy CM.
Devendra Fadnavis' Political Journey
Fadnavis has represented Nagpur South West since 2009, steadily building a stronghold in the constituency. In the 2019 assembly poll, he secured a decisive victory with a margin of over 49,000 votes, reaffirming his dominance. Over the years, his focus on infrastructure development, industrial growth and urban welfare projects. Additionally, he envisioned of positioning Maharashtra as a key economic hub has been central to his governance narrative.