After Maharashtra Polls, A Fresh Battle Brews For The Top Post

Mumbai:

“Sophisticated” goes to be the center identify of the meeting election in Maharashtra this yr. However the state is bracing for a fair harder battle as soon as the mud settles – one for the Chief Minister’s chair. Regardless of which facet wins, ruling alliance Mahayuti or the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, that call is unlikely to be easy or simple – a lot in order that many predict a political reconfiguration post-result, a sequel of what occurred in 2019 that set the stage for a drastic political upheaval two years down the road.

What makes the scenario sophisticated is resolute nature of the claimants — on both sides, solely two seem like working for the highest publish.

It’s troublesome to evaluate the ambitions of each factions of the NCP. On one facet is veteran chief Sharad Pawar, dubbed by many because the Chanakya of Maharashtra, however, there’s his nephew Ajit Pawar, who’s being seen because the “kingmaker” on this election.

Within the ruling alliance, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is raring to see its chief get the highest job once more, and plenty of surveys have already declared him a preferred chief. However that would show inadequate ought to the Mahayuti win, with Devendra Fadnavis and his supporters ready within the wings.

Again in June 2022, Mr Fadnavis’s supporters had been disgruntled over what they noticed as quick shrift to their chief regardless of the important thing function he performed in steering the occasion again to energy.

Mr Fadnavis had made his reluctance to simply accept the quantity 2 place clear – he accepted solely on the final minute after orders from the occasion excessive command.  An additional chair needed to be introduced so he may be a part of Mr Shinde on the dais for the oath ceremony on the Raj Bhavan.

This time, there are whispers that the BJP’s chief strategist, Union House Minister Amit Shah, is garnering votes for Mr Fadnavis. At a latest public rally, he stated, “Maharashtra has loads of religion in Modi ji and Fadnavis ji”. There was no point out of Eknath Shinde.

However the actual drama seems reserved for the Opposition MVA ought to it come to energy.

In 2019, the BJP had accused Uddhav Thackeray of breaking the alliance along with his steadfast demand for the highest publish. This time, whereas Mr Thackeray has not been specific, his allies will not be anticipating him to surrender on his declare.

However in contrast to in 2019, a brand new claimant has appeared on the scene – the Congress with its 13 Lok Sabha seats.

Whereas Mr Thackeray has repeatedly demanded that the Chief ministerial face of the alliance be declared effectively upfront, Congress’ massive chief and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan made it clear that the occasion which has extra MLAs, will get the highest job.

There may be additionally discuss of Sharad Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Celebration including the veteran chief’s daughter, Supriya Sule, within the combine if want be.

Maharashtra votes on November 20 in a single section and the counting of votes can be held on November 23.