Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024:5 Things That May Have Worked For BJP, Mahayuti

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has secured a decisive victory in Maharashtra. At the time of this report at about 3.45 pm, the Mahayuti was leading in 217 of the 288 assembly seats, as per the latest Election Commission data.

Here’s a look at the key factors behind their success:

1. Women-Centric Initiatives, Schemes
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides ₹1,500 monthly to 1.85 crore women, played a pivotal role in mobilizing female voters. With promises to increase the amount to ₹2,100, this initiative seems to have resonated with nearly 40% of the state's women voters, creating a significant vote bank for the BJP-led alliance.

2. Effective Campaigning
The Mahayuti's well-organized campaign was unmatched. Leaders like PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah covered over 140 constituencies, while CM Eknath Shinde held 75 rallies. The party utilized advanced voter-tracking software to ensure turnout, making personalized calls and mobilizing supporters on polling day.

3. Consolidated Hindu Votes
The BJP capitalized on the slogan 'Batenge to Katenge' to consolidate Hindu voters in urban and semi-urban areas. Despite criticism from allies, the message resonated, countering the minority voter bloc aligning with the opposition.

4. Balancing Caste Equations
The BJP navigated complex caste dynamics, addressing Maratha quota unrest and consolidating support from OBCs. Localized pro-poor and pro-women initiatives, like toll tax removal in Mumbai, may have further bridged caste divides.

5. Farmer Support
Mahayuti’s promises of cotton procurement above MSP, soybean purchases under relaxed conditions, and a full loan waiver appealed to farmers. This resulted in a strong performance in agricultural regions like Vidarbha, where the alliance may have reversed earlier setbacks.

6. Learning from Past Failures
Unlike the Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti quickly resolved internal differences and launched localized schemes that appealed to a broader voter base. With a 47.6% vote share—5.9% higher than the Lok Sabha elections—the BJP-led Mahayuti's strategic focus on women, farmers, and urban voters has ensured their return to power in Maharashtra.