Sat Nov 23 07:36:54 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra CM Speculation Heats Up Ahead of Assembly Election Results
**Mumbai:** As Maharashtra awaits the announcement of its Assembly election results, speculation surrounding the next Chief Minister is reaching fever pitch. Even before the vote count begins, the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the opposition alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), are engaged in a war of words over the coveted post. Both coalitions are confident of forming the next government.
Congress state president Nana Patole asserted that the MVA, led by Congress, will form the next government, claiming exit polls predict a significant Congress win, potentially securing 160-165 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut echoed this confidence, stating that post-election, the MVA alliance partners will decide on the CM candidate. He subtly criticized Patole’s apparent self-promotion, suggesting that the final decision rests with Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka Gandhi.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson Sanjay Shirke declared that the election was fought under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership, implying his claim to the CM post. BJP leader Praveen Darekar threw his support behind Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis as the BJP’s preferred candidate. NCP leader Amol Mitkari suggested that Ajit Pawar’s party could play kingmaker, regardless of the final seat count. Fadnavis himself maintained that the BJP alliance would make a collective decision.
Darekar dismissed the MVA’s chances, highlighting internal conflicts within the coalition, citing the example of Congress leader Praniti Shinde and her father supporting an independent candidate against Uddhav Thackeray’s candidate. He dismissed Patole’s CM aspirations as a mere “daydream.” The BJP claims that the people of Maharashtra have given a clear mandate, resulting in the formation of a government with the BJP coalition.
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