A tussle has started in Maharashtra regarding the post of Chief Minister. On one hand, Mahavikas Aghadi is busy in grooming those leaders who have strong chances of victory. On the other hand, small parties have also become active in government formation. Amidst all this, a picture has become almost clear regarding Maharashtra.
It is being said that no matter who forms the government, the Chief Minister will be from among these six faces only.
1. Devendra Fadnavis- Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner for the post of Chief Minister from Bharatiya Janata Party in Maharashtra. Fadnavis has also been the Chief Minister. Fadnavis also has experience of running a coalition government. In such a situation, if Mahayuti government is formed and BJP gets a chance to make him the CM, Fadnavis’ name can be at the forefront.
However, going by the political pattern of BJP regarding making the Chief Minister, it is being said that the party can also project a new face.
2. Eknath Shinde- Current Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde is also a major contender. It is being said that if his party comes into the role of kingmaker then he may go to the post of Chief Minister. Shinde is also very popular because of the girl-sister scheme.
His party leader Sanjay Shirsat has again talked about Shinde becoming the Chief Minister.
3. Uddhav Thackeray- Uddhav Thackeray is the biggest contender for the post of Chief Minister in Mahavikas Aghadi. Thackeray has also been the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It is being said that if Mahavikas Aghadi gets majority then Thackeray can become the Chief Minister again.
Uddhav Thackeray is currently a member of the Legislative Council. His party is contesting elections on about 95 seats.
4. Jayant Patil- With Sharad Pawar in the role of kingmaker, Jayant Patil can be a strong contender for the post of Chief Minister. Recently, Sharad Pawar had also hinted at this in a rally. Senior Pawar had said that Jayant now has to work for the entire Maharashtra.
Jayant, close to Sharad Pawar, is a senior leader of Maharashtra. He has been a senior minister in many governments. Currently contesting legislature.
5. Ajit Pawar- Ajit, who joined the BJP alliance after rebelling against uncle Sharad Pawar, is also a strong contender for the post of Chief Minister. It is being said that if Ajit comes into the role of forming the government, he can bargain for the Chief Minister’s chair.
Ajit has also expressed his desire to become the Chief Minister many times. Ajit has been Deputy CM in the governments of Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.
6. Supriya Sule- Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule can also become the Chief Minister. However, Pawar is currently rejecting it outright. Supriya was Ajit’s target during his rebellion against NCP. Ajit had said that I was not anyone’s son, hence could not become CM.
If Sharad Pawar comes in a strong role then Supriya can take over the throne of Maharashtra.
7. Nana Patole- Congress’s Nana Patole has also staked claim for the post of Chief Minister. Patole has predicted to become the CM of Congress right after the elections in Maharashtra. Patole says that Congress is coming in a strong role this time and we are going to form the government.
Maharashtra Congress President Patole has also been the speaker of the assembly. Patole, who comes from Kunbi community, is considered close to Rahul Gandhi.
Government needs 145 MLAs
There are a total of 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, where 145 MLAs are required to form the government. This time the parties have only 3 days to form the government in the state. If the parties are unable to form the government then President’s rule will be imposed in the state.
Actually, the tenure of the Assembly is ending on 26th November. If the assembly is not formed during this period, then the Governor can recommend imposing President’s rule in the state.
This time in Maharashtra there is a contest between NDA and India. After the elections, polls are showing a close contest.