The ruling Mahayuti bloc and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are optimistic about securing a clear majority in the 288-seat Maharashtra assembly. A total of 8.96 crore voters are expected to cast their votes in the single-phase election. Polling is underway peacefully across the state and will continue until 6 pm. Notably, this is the first election since the split between Shiv Sena and NCP.