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.

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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.

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.

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 is headed for a victory in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state

The Mahayuti alliance led by Mr Modi’s BJP is on course to win 221 of the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, home to India’s financial and entertainment capital Mumbai. The BJP alone is set to take more than 100 seats.

The NDA is all set to win Maharashtra against the INDIA bloc as the saffron party logs its best-ever electoral performance in the state.