1990 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election

The 1990 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election was held on October 2, 1990, to elect members of the 9th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. This election was significant as it marked the first election after the end of the Indian National Congress's long-standing dominance in the state, allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena alliance, known as the Shiv Sena-BJP combine, to emerge as a formidable political force. The election witnessed a high voter turnout of approximately 60%, reflecting intense political engagement among the electorate. The Shiv Sena, led by Bal Thackeray, secured a decisive victory, with Manohar Joshi becoming the Chief Minister. This election reshaped Maharashtra's political landscape and set the stage for subsequent electoral contests in the state.