The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is on course to retain power in Maharashtra. The alliance has so far won 164 seats and is leading in 67 others in the 288 assembly seats.

While exit polls have given both states to BJP-led alliances, the results throughout the day will make it clear who will emerge victorious

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party headed for a victory Saturday in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state. Polling in the two states are seen as a test of Modi's popularity after his party returned to power in June national elections but was forced to form a coalition government with help from regional partners.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party and its allies were set to return to power in the nation's richest state, television channels reported on Saturday, a boost for the Hindu-nationalist leader after a disappointing general election.

Winning Jharkhand would have been an icing on the cake for the BJP and it will regret not getting Ranchi, but Maharashtra is the real cake

The BJP-led Mahayuti painted Maharashtra a vivid saffron on Saturday, sweeping aside the MVA in a landslide victory, while the opposition INDIA bloc retained power in Jharkhand. In both states, voters gave a resounding endorsement to the incumbent parties.

Jalebi took a political turn last month during the Haryana assembly elections when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a comment about the delicious Gohana jalebis during a campaign speech and suggested the shop should open factories worldwide.

NDA, which is fighting as a team in both states, has maintained a comfortable lead in Maharashtra. In Jharkhand, the INDIA bloc is giving a tough fight to the BJP.