Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis... - Key 'CM' Faces

As the counting of votes in Maharashtra’s 288-seat Assembly began, political tensions ran high with both ruling and opposition alliances fiercely competing for power. The Mahayuti coalition, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, is leading with early trends showing 83 seats in their favour, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, and Congress, is trailing with 42 seats. However, even as the final results are yet to come in, the road to the Chief Minister's office remains a complex and contested one, with multiple factions pushing their candidates for the top post.

Mahayuti’s Front-Runners for CM

Devendra Fadnavis

A two-time Chief Minister and a seasoned BJP strategist, Devendra Fadnavis is widely regarded as the top contender for the Chief Minister's seat within the Mahayuti alliance. He played a key role in the BJP’s election campaign and seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena and NCP. Fadnavis’s political acumen and leadership make him the favourite to lead the state if Mahayuti wins. BJP leader Pravin Darekar has openly backed Fadnavis, stating that he is the most likely candidate for CM from their party.

Eknath Shinde

The current Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, made headlines in 2022 when he led a rebellion within the Shiv Sena, eventually forming his own faction and joining the BJP-led alliance. His Maratha identity has been seen as an asset in placating community agitators, and Shinde has strong support within the Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat has emphasised that Shinde was the face of the election campaign, and the people have shown their preference for him as the next CM.

Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar, the four-time Deputy Chief Minister from the NCP, has long harboured ambitions of leading Maharashtra. After splitting from Sharad Pawar's NCP faction in 2023, he joined the Mahayuti and took on the role of Deputy CM. Ajit Pawar has been a significant figure in Maharashtra politics and is considered a kingmaker in the current political climate. NCP leader Amol Mitkari has already thrown his weight behind Ajit Pawar as the CM candidate, stating that no matter the outcome, the NCP will play a decisive role in forming the government.

Other potential candidates from the Mahayuti camp include BJP leaders Pankaja Munde, Vinod Tawde, and Sudhir Mungantiwar.

MVA’s Contenders for CM

Uddhav Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), served as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for two and a half years before the party split in 2022. Despite facing significant challenges during his tenure, including controversies over the COVID-19 response and legal battles, Thackeray remains a prominent figure in the state. His party leaders have pushed for him to become the CM again, citing his leadership as the most vocal face of the opposition alliance.

Nana Patole

The Maharashtra Congress president, Nana Patole, is another contender who believes that his party will emerge as the largest in the Assembly. Patole, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed as the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly during the MVA government, sees himself as a strong candidate for the CM position, assuming Congress wins the most seats.

Prithviraj Chavan

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader, Prithviraj Chavan, is also in the running for the top job. Known for his calm demeanour and technical expertise, Chavan served as the Chief Minister from 2010 to 2014. While his seniority and experience are seen as assets, his age (78) could be a factor working against him in a race dominated by younger contenders.

Supriya Sule

Supriya Sule, the daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, has represented Baramati in Parliament since 2009. She has long been considered a potential CM candidate within the MVA, though her role in the party has been overshadowed by ongoing controversies. Sule, however, remains a strong voice for the NCP and is a significant player in the ongoing political discussions.

Jayant Patil

Another key figure in the NCP, Jayant Patil has served as the Maharashtra unit head of the party and has represented the Islampur Assembly seat since 1990. He is seen as a seasoned strategist and an experienced leader, making him a contender for the CM position, although his candidacy might face challenges from more prominent figures within the MVA.