The political scene in Maharashtra is heating up as debates intensify over who will lead the state’s government. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have begun staking their claims for the Chief Minister’s position, even before the votes for the 288-member assembly are counted on November 23. Here’s a closer look at the current situation and the major players involved.
Political Alliances and Their Claims
1. The Mahayuti Alliance’s Perspective
The ruling Mahayuti, which consists of the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, is confident of retaining power. According to exit polls, Mahayuti appears to have a strong edge over its rival. However, internal competition for the Chief Minister’s post has created tension within the alliance.
- Eknath Shinde: Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shirsat has asserted that Shinde, the current Chief Minister, is the most deserving candidate for the position. “The voters have shown their support for Shinde, and it is his right to continue as CM,” Shirsat stated.
- Devendra Fadnavis: BJP leader Pravin Darekar has voiced his support for Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, calling him the most suitable candidate if the BJP takes the lead within the alliance.
- Ajit Pawar: Leaders from the NCP faction, including Amol Mitkari, have proposed Ajit Pawar as the ideal choice for the top job. Mitkari remarked, “Regardless of the results, the NCP will emerge as a key player.”
The Opposition’s Stand: Maha Vikas Aghadi
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), is also optimistic about forming the government. However, disagreements over leadership have surfaced.
- Nana Patole’s Declaration: State Congress President Nana Patole confidently stated that an MVA government would be formed under his party’s leadership. According to Patole, voting trends suggest that Congress will secure the maximum seats in the assembly.
- Shiv Sena’s Concerns: Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed dissatisfaction with Patole’s statement. He emphasized that the Chief Ministerial candidate must be chosen collectively by all alliance partners. “If Congress has decided on Patole as CM, their national leaders should officially announce it,” Raut said.
Exit Poll Predictions and Voter Turnout
While many exit polls predict a win for the ruling Mahayuti, some favor the opposition MVA. The final decision will be revealed on November 23, but the voter turnout of 66.05% (an increase from 61.1% in 2019) has added an element of unpredictability to the results. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been credited with encouraging higher voter participation through its grassroots campaign.
Key Issues and Allegations
The election campaign has been marred by allegations and political drama:
- Allegations of Bitcoin Misuse: NCP’s Supriya Sule and Congress’s Nana Patole were accused of using illegal bitcoins to fund election campaigns. Both leaders have denied these allegations.
- Rifts Within Alliances: The BJP’s Darekar mocked internal conflicts within the MVA, highlighting Congress MP Praniti Shinde’s support for an independent candidate against the Shiv Sena’s nominee. “How can a coalition with such divisions decide on a Chief Minister?” he questioned.
- Rahul Gandhi’s Statements: Darekar dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms of the central government, calling them “childish and baseless.”
A Tense Wait for Results
The political atmosphere in Maharashtra remains charged as the state awaits the counting of votes. Both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition MVA are confident of their victory, but internal divisions within both alliances could complicate the final decision on the Chief Minister’s post.
As the results unfold on November 23, Maharashtra’s political future will depend on the ability of these alliances to address their internal conflicts and present a unified front. The stakes are high, and the journey to deciding Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister promises to be both dramatic and decisive
