As Maharashtra approaches its 2024 assembly elections, the question of the chief ministerial face for the ruling Mahayuti alliance remains a heated topic. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, currently campaigning across Maharashtra, stirred speculation during a recent rally in Shirala, Sangli district, hinting that BJP leader and current Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis might be the front-runner for the CM position. Shah’s comments follow months of ambiguity from Mahayuti leaders regarding who will ultimately lead the alliance.
With Maharashtra’s polling day set for November 20, Shah’s remarks add a new layer to the ongoing debate, suggesting a potential shift from current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the face of the coalition government. Shah, while addressing supporters, stated that during his tour of Maharashtra two months ago, he sensed a strong public inclination toward Fadnavis. His observation has ignited conversations on the political future of the state.
Responding to Shah’s comments, NCP Executive President Praful Patel maintained that the final decision on the CM would hinge on post-election seat distribution and a mutual agreement among Mahayuti’s three coalition parties: the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). “I can’t decide who will be the chief minister just sitting here,” Patel stated, emphasizing that the alliance’s leadership has so far been moving forward under Eknath Shinde’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar noted that Shah, as a senior leader, has the prerogative to express his views on the CM candidate, but that the ultimate decision will rest with the coalition’s central leadership. State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule echoed this sentiment, affirming that the alliance’s objective remains focused on development and that the chief minister’s position will be determined by central leadership.
Shah also used the campaign trail to target the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, accusing it of failing to prioritize development. “We are working for development,” Bawankule asserted, adding that any decision on the chief minister’s post will serve Maharashtra’s best interests.
With Shah’s endorsement of Fadnavis and the Mahayuti coalition leaders avoiding a definitive answer, the question of Maharashtra’s chief ministerial candidate continues to be a focal point in the lead-up to the state assembly elections.