NDTV Battleground Highlights: Decoding Maharashtra's Political Landscape

Maneesha Priyam, political analyst and researcher, says, "I visited some villages after RaGa yatra, and they said that he said good things but it was only about him. The PM visited a few days later, he spoke about development. The image of RaGa is improving but PM is miles ahead in terms of leadership."

Rohit Chandavarkar, senior journalist, says, "Prakash Ambedkar attended the Mumbai rally but it's not sure if he would go with the INDIA bloc or not. If he goes with them, they will get that advantage. I also think the winning margin would be very low. I predict this time it would be around 40,000-50,000,"

Sandeep Shastri, national coordinator of Lokniti Network and a teacher, says, "I haven't ever seen a survey where unemployment and inflation weren't in top positions. People know that they are facing these issues. When our voter goes to vote, are they thinking about unemployment and inflation or are they thinking about something else? So, we need to think if emotions are a factor"

Manisha Priyam, a political analyst and researcher says, "Unemployment is a huge issue. But, the youth believes in the BJP because they know the party will work for it and deliver."

Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist of Axis Bank, says, "During Covid crisis, the economy was left behind by a year. But, it didn't stop the labour force flow. This is the reason why we feel there is joblessness. But jobs are being created at 5 per cent. But to absorb all the labour force, we will have to grow above 7 per cent."

Political Strategist and Commentator Amitabh Tiwari says , "The BJP has put the 'tadka' of class politics on caste politics. The voting behaviour has become very complex. Voting is an emotional decision and not a rational one. But no elections can be called a done deal because of these  3 reasons - there are many late deciders in India, 25 per cent vote on the names of candidates, 69 per cent are floating voters and they are the kingmakers. Which is why in Maharashtra, it's going to be unpredictable."