While speculation about a potential power-sharing arrangement intensifies, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar has yet to officially back Devendra Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. However, sources close to the party indicate that there is growing internal consensus that Fadnavis could be a preferred choice for the role, over Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde.
The Mahayuti’s decision to lean towards Fadnavis as the new Chief Minister has been welcomed by Ajit Pawar’s NCP, which sees this as an opportunity to strengthen its position within the coalition. There are indications that, despite not offering official backing yet, Pawar’s party would likely be content with the BJP’s move to appoint Fadnavis, who enjoys a strong rapport with the NCP leader.
Pawar and Fadnavis have a long-standing equation, dating back to 2019, when the two briefly came together to form a government. Although that partnership collapsed within 80 hours due to Pawar’s sudden withdrawal, it seems the two leaders have managed to maintain a cordial relationship. This connection could prove advantageous for the NCP, especially if Fadnavis assumes the CM role, bringing balance to the coalition equation.
For the NCP, Fadnavis as CM would place the party on equal footing with the Shiv Sena, whose influence under Shinde might have overshadowed Ajit Pawar’s position in a potential government led by the Sena. With the BJP securing 132 seats, far surpassing the Sena’s 57 and the NCP’s 41, Fadnavis leading the government would allow the NCP to maintain a prominent role within the coalition.
Sources close to the NCP indicate that internal party discussions have indicated strong support for Fadnavis. Senior NCP leader Chaggan Bhujbal expressed, “There is no reason why we should oppose Fadnavis as CM.” Furthermore, an NCP spokesperson confirmed that the party has made its preference clear to the BJP leadership, emphasizing that Fadnavis should be the “first preference” for the Chief Ministerial post.
If Shinde were appointed as CM instead of Fadnavis, the Sena would have had a stronger position, leaving the NCP with a less influential role in the new government. Given the disparity in seat strength, the NCP would have struggled to secure a comparable share of power alongside the BJP, further solidifying Fadnavis as a more favorable candidate for Ajit Pawar’s party.
As the Mahayuti coalition navigates the complex negotiations ahead, the focus now shifts to power-sharing arrangements. Both the Shiv Sena and NCP will likely seek key portfolios within the government. However, sources suggest that the BJP is expected to retain at least half of the ministries, further complicating the negotiations for the smaller parties.
With a Council of Ministers cap at 43 members, the BJP will have to balance its power with the interests of both the NCP and Shiv Sena, ensuring that all three parties are adequately represented in the new government.
While Ajit Pawar has not yet made an official move, the ongoing discussions within the NCP suggest that the party may soon take a more definitive stance, potentially solidifying Devendra Fadnavis’s role as Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister.