Why NCP thinks Ajit Pawar could be the next Maharashtra CM? Hint: Strike rate

Following the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, speculation is swirling around the next chief minister. While NCP leaders hinted at the possibility of Ajit Pawar taking the helm, emphasizing the party's strong performance, BJP members expressed support for former CM Devendra Fadnavis. The BJP emerged as the single largest party within the victorious alliance.

Ajit Pawar (File photo) NEW DELHI: Following the Mahayuti alliance’s sweeping victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, speculation is rife about who will be the state’s next chief minister. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday hinted at the possibility of Ajit Pawar assuming the top post, emphasising NCP's strong performance. "Ajit Pawar could also be the CM.

IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025 Live: Chahal goes to PBKS for Rs 18 crore; Pant becomes most expensive player at Rs 27 crore IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL Salary System Explained: 10 key points you need to know Our (NCP's) strike rate is very good. A discussion will soon be held in this regard," the Yevla constituency winner told reporters, signaling the party’s aspirations in shaping the new government. Pune NCP president Deepak Mankar also voiced support for Pawar, describing him as a capable leader.

"The workers of NCP wish that if 'Dada' (Ajit Pawar) becomes CM, Maharashtra will get a good direction. We know the kind of work he did as Deputy CM in the last 2.5 years.

.. Mahayuti is taking everyone along," Mankar told ANI.

However, the BJP seems to have its own preference. BJP's winning candidate from Savner Ashishrao Deshmukh highlighted strong support within the BJP for former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deshmukh said, "The people of Maharashtra have decided to stand with BJP and Mahayuti.

We have got unprecedented results in the state. Our aim is to meet the expectations of the people and make Maharashtra the number one state in the next five years. The parliamentary board will decide the CM’s face, but BJP workers and MLAs favor Devendra Fadnavis for the role.

" In the Maharashtra assembly elections, Mahayuti achieved a significant victory by winning 230 seats out of the total 288 constituencies. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, whilst their coalition partners performed well - chief minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena secured 57 seats, and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's NCP obtained 41 seats in the state assembly. The opposition alliance faced significant setbacks, with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20 seats, Congress obtaining 16 seats, and Sharad Pawar's NCP(SP) winning only 10 seats.

.