Eknath Shinde Confident of Mahayuti Alliance's Landslide Victory in Maharashtra Polls

Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Chief Minister, predicts a sweeping victory for the Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming state assembly elections. Shinde, who will contest from Kopri-Pachpakhadi, leads the Shiv Sena's list of candidates. The ruling alliance and opposition MVA intensify their campaigns ahead of the elections.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has expressed strong confidence in the Mahayuti alliance securing a decisive victory in the forthcoming state assembly elections. Shinde emphasized the upcoming release of a second list of candidates, indicating that the election contest would be fiercely contested with a successful outcome for the alliance.

CM Shinde arrived in Guwahati on Tuesday evening, where he plans to offer prayers at the renowned Maa Kamakhya Temple. Earlier, the Shiv Sena announced its initial list of 45 candidates for the state polls, highlighting a strong lineup to challenge the opposition.

Shinde himself is slated to run from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency, showcasing his leadership role in the party's election strategy. Notable candidates from the list include Manisha Ravindra Waykar, Suhas Dwarkanath Kande, Pradip Shivnarayan Jaiswal, and Balaji Devidasrao Kalyankar, demonstrating the party's diverse and strategic candidate selection.

Sada Sarvankar is set to contest from Mahim against Amit Thackeray, son of political adversary Raj Thackeray. The Shiv Sena has firmly positioned CM Shinde as their chief ministerial candidate, reinforcing his pivotal role in the party's election campaign, as decided in their recent strategic meeting.

As election day approaches, both the ruling Mahayuti alliance, including the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, have ramped up their campaign efforts. Historical election data show the BJP securing 105 seats in 2019, and 122 in 2014, highlighting the competitive landscape in Maharashtra politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)