Maharashtra’s First Five-Phase LS Polls: Advantage BJP?
In a groundbreaking move, Maharashtra gears up for its Lok Sabha elections across five phases, spanning from April 19 to May 20. This unprecedented elongated schedule has sparked a flurry of speculation, with opposition voices suggesting it might tilt the scales in favor of the BJP. Rival parties point out that the BJP and its allies are caught in a bitter seat-sharing tussle here, and it gives them more time now to coordinate when it comes to critical constituencies as well as figure out the best utilisation of their star campaigners. For the first time in the state’s electoral history, Western Maharashtra and North Maharashtra are slated for the last two phases of polling on May 13 and 20 respectively. Critics argue that this strategic arrangement offers the BJP and its allies ample time to navigate through the complexities of seat-sharing negotiations and rally their resources effectively. Marathwada emerges as a focal point with elections spread across three phases for its 8 s...