Exit polls for elections in India's richest state appear to have confirmed forecasts that neither the Congress Party nor Hindu nationalists will secure a majority.
In the first test of public sentiment since May's general election, one exit poll showed a hung assembly in Maharashtra.
Another projected a small lead for Congress, seeking a second term in the state and in need of a clear victory to strengthen its government in New Delhi.
Maharashtra is the country's commercial and film capital, with 48 of the 540 seats in the national parliament.
A good performance by Congress would weaken the party's pugnacious allies, such as the Communists, who have been critical of proposed economic reforms.
'If Congress does well, it won't be so defensive about reforms, such as allowing foreign investment in telecom and insurance,' said analyst Mahesh Rangarajan.
'It will be able to assert itself, instead of looking over its shoulder the whole time wondering what the Communists will say.'