The BJP effectively capitalised on the growing religious polarisation in Maharashtra. It focused on the so-called ‘vote jihad’, ‘ Batenge to Katenge ’ and ‘ Ek Hain to Safe Hain ’ rhetoric. This strategy resonated with a section of the electorate. The saffron party painted the Opposition as appeasing Muslim vote banks.

He agreed because of party discipline. Getting him to make the sacrifice yet again would be cruel," a senior BJP source said. A likely claim by BJP for the top position will be supported by Ajit Pawar who may be more comfortable with a non-Maratha like ...

The Mahayuti alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and some smaller allies has won 235 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra elections, the biggest win in the state for any alliance or party since the 1972 election.