Mumbai: With exit polls and intiail trends suggest an edge for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has decided to move its winning MLAs to hotels. Resorts in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Telangana, where the Congress is in power, have been booked to accommodate the MVA MLAs.

Meanwhile, despite favourable exit poll results, the BJP-led Mahayuti is reportedly preparing helicopters to transport its MLAs.

In the 288-seat state assembly, 145 seats are required to form a majority. Anticipating a hung assembly, both alliances are taking steps to prevent their MLAs from defecting. Concerns over potential horse-trading and affiliation swapping have prompted all parties to remain vigilant.

Reports suggest confusion persists within both alliances over who should assume the chief ministerial post. If the Mahayuti secures a majority, current indications point to Devendra Fadnavis being sworn in as chief minister. However, if Eknath Shinde stakes his claim to the post, it could create a crisis within the alliance.

To ensure swift government formation after the results, the Congress high command has appointed Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, and G. Parameshwara as observers. D.K. Shivakumar has been tasked with keeping the MLAs united.

Both alliances are taking measures to avoid the uncertainty witnessed after the last assembly elections and the dramatic scenes that followed. Efforts are underway to bring candidates to constituencies in advance, with leaders maintaining constant communication to coordinate their strategies.