“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

The race for the Chief Ministerial seat in Maharashtra is shaping up to be a crucial political battle, with both the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction) and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance (Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction) witnessing internal differences. As the state heads towards elections, the question of who will emerge as the Chief Ministerial face is central to the ongoing political discourse.

In the Mahayuti alliance, Eknath Shinde is currently the Chief Minister, a role he assumed after a political coup that saw him split the Shiv Sena and align with the BJP. While Shinde is seen as a strong contender to retain the position, the situation within the alliance is complex.

Shinde’s Shiv Sena lacks the extensive grassroots network that the BJP has, and his authority as CM has been challenged by Ajit Pawar’s entry into the alliance. Ajit Pawar’s decision to break away from his uncle Sharad Pawar’s NCP and join hands with the BJP has added another dimension to the leadership race. Ajit Pawar, a seasoned political leader with a significant support base in Western Maharashtra, is seen as having CM ambitions of his own. His recent moves indicate that he may not be content with a secondary role in the alliance for long.

The BJP, the dominant force within the Mahayuti, has so far played the role of a balancing factor between Shinde and Ajit Pawar. While Devendra Fadnavis, the former CM and current Deputy CM, is a prominent leader within the BJP and could be a natural choice for the CM post, the BJP’s leadership seems keen on maintaining the current alliance structure for electoral gain. However, if tensions between Shinde and Pawar grow, the BJP may opt for Fadnavis as a consensus candidate to prevent a rift within the alliance.

The opposition MVA alliance also faces its share of challenges when it comes to deciding on a CM candidate. The MVA was formed in 2019 after Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena broke ties with the BJP and allied with the Congress and NCP to form the government. However, the collapse of the MVA government in 2022 following Shinde’s revolt has left the alliance reeling from internal tensions.

Uddhav Thackeray, despite losing the Shiv Sena name and symbol to Shinde, remains a key figure in the MVA and could push for another chance at the CM position. His leadership of the Shiv Sena faction that remains loyal to him and his popularity among a section of voters makes him a potential contender. However, the Congress and NCP factions may not unanimously support his bid.

Sharad Pawar, the veteran NCP leader, has maintained a strong influence in Maharashtra politics. While he is unlikely to contest for the CM post due to his age, his party could field a candidate, and his support will be crucial for any MVA nominee. If Sharad Pawar’s NCP emerges stronger, it may propose a CM candidate from within the party, potentially sidelining Thackeray.

The Congress, a key player in the MVA, has yet to project a clear CM face. While it has significant influence in several regions of Maharashtra, the party’s leadership will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, choosing to back either Uddhav Thackeray or an NCP candidate, depending on the alliance’s internal negotiations.

Overcoming Differences

Both alliances face significant internal differences, which could complicate their electoral strategies. In the Mahayuti, the competition between Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, coupled with the BJP’s balancing act, could lead to factionalism. The MVA, meanwhile, must reconcile Uddhav Thackeray’s ambitions with the interests of the Congress and NCP factions.

However, the political pragmatism that has characterized Maharashtra politics in recent years suggests that these differences could be overcome. In both alliances, the desire to defeat the other side could push the parties to settle their internal disputes and present a united front.

In the Mahayuti, if tensions persist between Shinde and Pawar, Devendra Fadnavis could emerge as a compromise candidate. In the MVA, Uddhav Thackeray remains a strong contender, but Sharad Pawar’s NCP may push for a candidate from within its ranks if the party gains more ground. As reports emanate, his choice seems to be Jayant Patil.

Ultimately, the race for Maharashtra’s next CM will depend on the ability of both alliances to manage internal dissent and project a leader who can unify their respective coalitions.