Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has clarified that there is no ongoing ‘formula’ being discussed regarding the Chief Minister’s post in the state. He stated that the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will collectively decide on the leadership position, with all partners having a say in the final choice.
Pawar’s comments came after the Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. With BJP claiming 132 seats, speculation about who would be the next Chief Minister intensified. While some BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, have been vocal in backing Fadnavis for a third term as CM, others, like NCP’s Amol Mitkari, have thrown their weight behind Ajit Pawar for the top job.
Addressing the media, Pawar emphasized that there is no fixed plan yet, and the three partners will meet to finalize their strategy. “We are a team and will discuss the CM’s position together,” he asserted. He also responded to questions about the Leader of Opposition role, affirming that with the Mahayuti’s overwhelming mandate, no opposition party has the numbers to claim the position.
Ajit Pawar credited the “Ladki Bahin” scheme for the NCP’s success, with plans for further discussions on Maharashtra’s leadership.
