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In Maharashtra, caste is the foundation of the political battlefield. OBCs, as they are, played a decisive role in this election, which was won by the grand alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Still, it is not a homogeneous group. Each has different concerns and loyalties. The BJP’s ability to penetrate these communities through strategic representation paid off and strengthened its dominance in key areas.
The Maratha community, long considered the backbone of Maharashtra politics, was another important factor in Mahayuti’s victory. Despite the agitation over reservation and discontent over unresolved demands, the BJP managed to retain a significant share through symbolic gestures, influential leadership and careful engagement. The Congress-NCP alliance, which has traditionally depended on Maratha support, failed to capitalize on this discontent. Their inability to present a united alternative led many voters to choose the BJP-led alliance, signaling a significant turnaround in one of the opposition’s strongholds.
Dalit votes, especially among smaller communities like Mang and Chambhar, also appeared to vote for the BJP. While Mahars remain a loyal base for Ambedkarite and opposition politics, the BJP’s targeted reach has ensured meaningful inroads among non-Mahar Dalit groups. Traditional vote banks further increased the MVA’s challenges, leaving them with less reliable constituencies.
In regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, known for agrarian distress and rural vulnerabilities, the MVA’s reliance on anti-incumbency sentiment failed to take hold, due to the BJP’s drive towards long-term development and stability. Even in western Maharashtra, historically dominated by the NCP, Mahayuti breached traditional strongholds, underscoring the opposition’s declining influence.
Maharashtra’s urban and rural voters often live in different realities, and this election has brought those contradictions into sharp focus. In urban areas like Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur, issues like housing and inflation dominated the conversation. By emphasizing development and big projects, the BJP has managed to retain its stronghold in these areas.
Despite occasional discontent over stalled projects and uneven economic benefits, voters in the cities largely united behind the promise of continued development. The Mahayuti’s appeal to middle-class aspirations and its targeted engagement with the youth helped strengthen its urban base, leaving little room for the opposition to make inroads.
In rural Maharashtra, the narrative was shaped by agricultural challenges and economic crisis. Farmers, faced with an opposition alliance that failed to offer a unified or credible alternative, appeared to have placed their trust in the Mahayuti. The Congress-NCP alliance, which had relied on rural discontent to regain its ground, has been unable to convert grievances into votes, as past governance records undermine their claims of reform.
Women voters are emerging as a decisive force in Maharashtra elections, and political parties are tailoring their strategies to attract this growing demographic. Like the Ladli Behan scheme, offering ₹1,500 monthly assistance to women in the 21-65 age group has been the focus of the outreach. On the surface, these schemes promise financial freedom, especially for women in overburdened rural areas, however, a closer look reveals a more complex story.
According to CNES and OP Jindal Global University’s (AEI), the scheme scores high in financial inclusion, providing immediate cash relief to needy women and families. Still, its widespread impact is limited. Maharashtra still grapples with systemic challenges – only 22.4% of households have health insurance, and school dropout rates among rural girls remain worryingly high. While schemes like Laadli Behan ease short-term financial distress, they fail to deal with the underlying issues of education, health care and sustainable employment opportunities that can empower women in the long term.
