The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress have claimed that NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who recently took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, will soon replace Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
However, the BJP has dismissed such talks, saying the speculation of Shinde losing the chief minister’s post is nothing but kite-flying.
Ajit’s sudden decision to split from the NCP and join the ruling coalition led by Shinde and the BJP has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape. Eight NCP leaders were also sworn in as ministers in the Shinde-BJP Government.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ published an editorial stating that Ajit has set a record by becoming the Deputy Chief Minister once again. “This time the ‘deal’ is strong,” the editorial added, hinting at a significant power shift in the State.
According to the editorial, “Pawar has not taken up the deputy CM’s post just for that. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and rebel MLAs of the Sena will soon face disqualification, paving the way for Pawar’s coronation.”
Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan also asserted that the BJP has promised Ajit the position of Maharashtra Chief Minister.
However, senior BJP leader Madhav Bhandari said all these talks are nothing but kite flying. “First of all the disqualification petition pending with the speaker will not go against us. Even if it does, the fallout won’t impact the government as we have enough numbers.”
With Ajit Pawar’s move to join the ruling coalition, the dynamics of Maharashtra’s politics have undergone a significant change. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Shinde would lose the CM post.
Raut stated, “Shinde and 15 other MLAs will undoubtedly face disqualification, and the BJP has brought in Pawar to save the government. Once Shinde is disqualified, Pawar will eventually take over as the Chief Minister.”
Responding to a query, Chavan confirmed that he had publicly spoken about the possibility of Ajit aligning with the BJP and faced criticism for it.
He further stated that they were aware of the ongoing discussions and bargaining, with Ajit being promised the chief minister’s post by sidelining Eknath Shinde through the speaker’s decision on the disqualification of 16 Shiv Sena MLAs.
The political landscape in Maharashtra remains tense as speculations and power struggles unfold within the ruling coalition. The fate of the current chief minister and the potential rise of Ajit Pawar as Maharashtra’s new leader hang in the balance.