Exit polls for the Maharashtra elections present a mixed bag, with some predicting an advantage for the MVA and others suggesting a close contest. While most polls indicate the BJP as the single largest party, the role of independent and rebel candidates is highlighted as potentially crucial in government formation.

Maharashtra witnessed an 18.14% voter turnout till 11 am in the single-phase assembly elections, while Jharkhand recorded 31.37% in the second phase. Prominent leaders, including Maharashtra CM and Deputy CM, cast their votes, urging citizens to participate in the festival of democracy. Union Minister expressed confidence in NDA's victory in both states.

Ravindra Patil, a former IPS officer, has accused Supriya Sule and Nana Patole of using Bitcoin scam funds for election financing. Patole, the Maharashtra Congress Chief, denied the allegations, calling them lies and stating he doesn't understand Bitcoin. He announced plans to file a defamation case against Patil and BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi.

BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde refuted allegations of distributing money to voters at a Virar hotel owned by political rivals. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Hitendra Thakur had accused Tawde of distributing 5 crore, but Tawde insisted he was only advising party workers on election procedures. While authorities recovered 9.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashish Shelar cast his vote in Mumbai, urging citizens to participate in the development wave. Shelar also countered Shiv Sena (UBT) allegations of BJP distributing money, calling them baseless and stemming from frustration over anticipated electoral losses.

Zeeshan Siddiqui, the Nationalist Congress Party candidate from Bandra East, voted in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, marking the first time he did so without his late father, Baba Siddiqui. The constituency is witnessing a close contest between Siddiqui and Varun Sardesai, nephew of Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The Maharashtra election will be a defining moment for key political leaders. The results will determine the fate of alliances and the future of prominent figures like Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Nana Patole, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar. The election will reveal the true strength of political factions and shape the state's political direction for years to come.

Shivkumar Gautam, the prime suspect in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, voiced his fear of being coerced into confessing under the MCOCA. During a court appearance, Gautam expressed his unwillingness to provide a statement, citing concerns about potential pressure tactics. While the court extended Gautam's police custody, his co-accused were remanded to judicial custody for a fortnight.

Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer urged citizens to vote in the ongoing assembly elections, emphasizing the significance of each vote. Polling commenced across 288 constituencies, with the BJP-led alliance aiming to retain power against the MVA. Extensive preparations ensured smooth polling, with a large deployment of government employees and security personnel.