Thu Nov 21 18:46:23 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Election Aftermath: Chief Minister Race Heats Up Amidst Alliance Squabbles

**Mumbai, November 22** – As Maharashtra awaits the counting of votes on November 23rd, the race for the Chief Minister’s post is already underway, marked by intense infighting within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances.

While both coalitions claim victory based on perceived voting trends, disagreements over leadership are openly brewing. Congress state chief Nana Patole boldly declared that the MVA will form the government under Congress leadership, citing expected strong Congress performance. This claim was immediately challenged by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who insisted the chief ministerial candidate should be a joint decision of all MVA partners. Raut demanded that the Congress high command publicly endorse Patole’s candidacy if such a decision has been made.

The Mahayuti is facing its own internal power struggles. While Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat championed incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s claim to the post, BJP leader Pravin Darekar pushed for Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP leader Amol Mitkari further complicated matters by promoting Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stating the NCP will act as kingmaker regardless of election results. Fadnavis himself remained non-committal, stating a joint decision will be made.

BJP leader Pravin Darekar confidently predicted a Mahayuti victory, dismissing the MVA’s chances due to internal rifts, citing instances like the support shown by Congress figures to independent candidates against Uddhav Thackeray’s nominees. Darekar dismissed Patole’s aspirations as unrealistic and criticised Rahul Gandhi’s statements. He also alluded to ongoing ED investigations involving MVA leaders. Darekar credited the RSS’s grassroots campaign and the government’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ for the high voter turnout.

The conflicting statements highlight the uncertainty surrounding the next Maharashtra government even as exit polls suggest a Mahayuti win. The coming days will reveal whether these pre-election claims hold any weight, or if the actual results trigger further political maneuvering.

Read More