Who will become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra? This suspense will end soon. But before that, a lot of movement is being seen on the ground from the BJP to the Shiv Sena and the NCP. The group Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar along with Devendra Fadnavis are also considered in the race. However, the final decision must be taken by the high command of the three parties.
The results of 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections have come. The NDA has won 233 seats. While the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi only won 49 seats. The BJP won 132 seats, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57 seats and Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 41 seats. Shiv Sena UBT won 20 seats, Congress 16 and NCP SP 10 seats. Two seats went to the SP account.
Why is the BJP claiming the Chief Minister’s post?
Electoral success: The BJP’s victory strike rate in the Maharashtra Assembly elections was 89 per cent. BJP has achieved more success compared to 2014. That means a strong mandate also strengthens BJP’s claim.
Boost morale of cadres: The morale of the BJP cadre had fallen after the political developments of 2019. The party’s performance has looked weak in the recent Lok Sabha elections. In such a situation, there is a need to boost the morale of the party workers before the Lok Sabha elections in 2029. That is why it is important for BJP to get the CM post.
Long term strategy: A landslide majority in assembly elections has important significance. The BJP organization would like to contest and win the 2029 elections on its own. The role of the CM will be important for the hopes and plans of the BJP.
Control over governance: BJP being the Chief Minister, it will also have a strong grip on governance. As the government is a coalition, the Chief Minister is the most powerful. There will be many such occasions when voices of disagreement will be raised; at that time the role of the Chief Minister will be important. It will not only play its role in reducing disagreements but also ensure administrative control.
Why is Shinde claiming CM post?
When there was a power shift in Maharashtra in 2022, the BJP, despite being the largest party, proposed Eknath Shinde’s name and made him the new Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis himself became deputy CM. While Fadnavis is the most important face of the BJP and has also been the Chief Minister. Now once again the situation is the same. BJP is the largest party. Shinde’s Shiv Sena is at number two.
Leadership in elections: Since then, these elections were held in an undeclared manner under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. Although the alliance has not announced any names. But during the election campaign, the Shinde government’s plans were presented to the public and counted as achievements. This is why Eknath Shinde sees his mandate in the results and sees the public’s decision as support for the government.
Policy claim: Eknath Shinde considers important projects like Ladki Bahin to be his brainchild. The Shinde group says they should benefit from this. This plan has proven to be a turning point for Mahayuti in the Maharashtra elections. That is, Shinde Sena has strengthened its claim by taking credit for the policy.
Maratha Representation: Before the elections in Maharashtra, there was a big challenge in wooing the Maratha community. Shinde not only attracted voters from this community but also established himself as a Maratha leader.
Unity in the party: Shinde has shown strength by uniting the MLAs. He fought against opposition forces like Uddhav Thackeray in the elections and won.
Why Ajit Pawar likes BJP CM?
Ease of coordination: The BJP is the largest party in the alliance and the BJP Chief Minister is considered the first choice for the NCP. Devendra Fadnavis can especially be considered the first choice for Ajit because there is a good rapport between the two. In such a situation, coordination will be easier.
Personal relationship: The working relationship between Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis is also strong. When the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance broke down after the 2019 assembly elections. After that, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar came together overnight and took oath as deputy CM-CM at Raj Bhavan in the morning. However, Ajit backed down after 80 hours, so this government fell.
Coalition balance: BJP Chief Minister Shinde will reduce the dominance of the Sena, so decisions are expected to be taken on a level playing field. Ajit Pawar held a meeting of his party’s MLAs on Sunday and indicated that Devendra Fadnavis would be the first choice for the CM’s post.
Report- Anuja Dhakras
