Mumbai, Nov. 21 -- The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP is likely to retain Maharashtra, as per predictions by three exit polls. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA will be in a close contest with the JMM-Congress alliance, predictions showed.

The poll of three exit polls showed the Mahayuti alliance winning around 158 seats, crossing the halfway mark comfortably in Maharashtra. In Jharkhand, too, the poll of exit polls gave an edge to the BJP, with the NDA predicted to secure 45 seats in the 81-member Assembly.

As per Matrize's forecast, Mahayuti could win anywhere between 150-170 seats. It has given 110-130 seats to the MVA, which comprises the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led...