The battle for the chief minister’s position is intensifying, with both ruling and opposition alliances—Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—entangled in internal discord.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has sparked controversy within the MVA by claiming that Congress would lead the government if the alliance wins, citing expected strong results for his party. Patole said, “Voting trends suggest the Congress will win the most seats.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut quickly opposed this claim, emphasizing that all alliance partners would collectively make the decision. “If the Congress high command has chosen Patole, figures like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, or Rahul Gandhi should announce it,” Raut told the media .

The MVA, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP, has long positioned itself as the principal opposition to the ruling Mahayuti. However, Patole’s remarks highlight underlying tensions within the alliance, with some members questioning the unity of purpose.

Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction disputes the CM post, with Sanjay Shirsat backing Shinde and Pravin Darekar supporting Fadnavis. Meanwhile, NCP leader Amol Mitkari is advocating for his party chief, Ajit Pawar. Darekar downplayed MVA’s chances, criticizing their internal issues and questioning the credibility of the opposition’s claims.

Exit polls have predicted varying outcomes, with most leaning towards a Mahayuti win. However, Darekar has dismissed these polls, suggesting that independents are likely to support the ruling coalition .

Voter turnout has also surged, with a 66.05% turnout, up from 61.1% in 2019, indicating heightened engagement. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has boosted grassroots voter mobilization, particularly among women, through initiatives like the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Both alliances face internal tensions, making the battle for the CM’s post as fiercely contested as the election itself.