1 day Ago By Anurag Kumar
Mumbai: As polling for the Maharashtra assembly election comes to an end, the focus is now on who will be forming the next government in the state. The campaign saw a very high-pitched slogan war between BJP-led Mahayuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprising of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Though the results will be declared on November 23, it's unlikely that the people of the state would get to know about the next CM face soon as both alliances have kept their cards close to their chest.
What has added more to the buzz surrounding the next CM of the state is the fact that Eknath Shinde, who is currently leading the top post, and his rival Uddhav Thackeray, are not an automatic choice for the post if their respective coalitions win. Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE After the 2019 assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray led the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in alliance with the Congress and NCP, serving as chief minister for nearly two-and-a-half years. However, in 2022, Eknath Shinde orchestrated a rebellion against Uddhav, forcing him to resign.
Shinde later became the chief minister of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and eventually took control of the Shiv Sena from Uddhav. Meanwhile, the BJP is also tight-lipped about the next CM face for the state. Speaking at the release of the party manifesto in Mumbai on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Mahayuti alliance partners — BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP — will collectively decide the next Chief Minister after the polls.
Top Contenders If Mahayuti Retains Power Eknath Shinde: Despite the power tussle within the alliance, Eknath Shinde is among the frontrunners for the top post. Though the BJP has not given any clear indication, when BJP leader and former CM Devendra Fadnavis was asked about the CM's face he said, "CM toh yaha baithe hi hai," signalling towards Shinde. The 2024 assembly polls outcome is likely to play a key role in deciding who the next CM would be.
Political experts feel that the BJP may push for its candidate if it manages to be the largest party in the alliance. Devendra Fadnavis: There is strong speculation that BJP may back Fadnavis as its CM face if the party performs well and manages to be the largest party in terms of seats. By not naming Eknath Shinde as Mahayuti's chief ministerial candidate, the BJP sent a clear message to the Shiv Sena that the decision remains open-ended.
Ajit Pawar: Ajit Pawar, currently serving as the deputy of CM Eknath Shinde, is a key player in the Mahayuti Alliance. He has played a crucial role in sustaining the coalition between the BJP and Shiv Sena factions. Though he has not openly expressed ambitions for the chief minister's post, his strong standing within the NCP and his influence on alliance dynamics make him a potential contender.
Top Contenders If MVA Returns To Power MVA, which is a combination of three parties -- Shiva Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, is also grappling with power-tussle issues. Shiv Sena-led by Uddhav Thackeray wanted the alliance to name him as the CM face of MVA, however, the Congress did not entertain this demand. The improved performance of grand-old party in the Lok Sabha elections also enabled it to go for a hard bargain.
The alliance has decided to take a final call on the CM face after the results are declared. Uddhav Thackeray: The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader is seen as a natural choice to be the CM face for MVA as he has already served the state for two-and-a-half years tenure before the split of his party. The leadership question within the MVA will largely hinge on the numbers each party secures once the assembly election results are declared.
Nana Patole: Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole can emerge as a frontrunner for the top post if Congress manages to be the largest party in the election. When Patole was asked about MVA's CM face he said, "First of all, our responsibility is to bring our government to power. Then our high command will make a decision.
We want to protect Maharashtra." Anil Deshmukh: Anil Deshmukh, former Maharashtra Home Minister and senior NCP (SP) leader, can be a key player if the party does well in the assembly polls. With Sharad Pawar announcing that he is not in fray to be the next CM and his daughter Supriya Sule also not vying for the race -- Deshmukh might emerge as a frontrunner if the NCP faction has a stellar performance in the state.
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