Even before the votes are counted in Maharashtra, differences have emerged between the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over who will lead the next government. Both camps are staking a claim to the Chief Minister's post. After the voting for the 288-member Assembly concluded on Wednesday evening, both the ruling and opposition fronts began asserting that they will have the mandate in their favor when the votes are counted on November 23.
Soon after the voting, State Congress chief Nana Patole claimed that the MVA government, led by his party, will form the government in Maharashtra. He stated that the voting trends indicate Congress securing the maximum number of seats in the new Assembly. His remarks displeased the allied Shiv Sena (UBT), whose leader Sanjay Raut insisted on Thursday that after the MVA achieves a majority, all alliance partners will collectively decide the face for the Chief Minister's role.
Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, said if the Congress high command has told Patole he will be the CM face, the announcement should come from top leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The MVA, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), and the Mahayuti, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, are both confident that after Saturday's vote count, their respective alliances will form the next government.
'Shinde will be the next CM'
Most exit polls have predicted that the Mahayuti will remain in power. However, some exit polls are favoring the MVA. Shiv Sena legislator and party spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat stated that the election was fought on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's face. Shirsat said, "Voters have shown their preference for Shinde through the ballot. I believe it's Shinde's right (to become the next CM), and we are confident he will be the next CM."
BJP leader Pravin Darekar endorsed Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the top position. He said, "I believe that if a CM is coming from the BJP, it will be Devendra Fadnavis."
NCP leader Amol Mitkari put forth his party's chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's name for the position. Mitkari said, "Whatever the results, NCP will be the kingmaker."
Asked about the face for the CM post, Fadnavis replied that the three parties in Mahayuti will come together to decide the right choice. Speaking separately to journalists, BJP leader Darekar asserted that Mahayuti will form the next government. He dismissed the likelihood of an MVA government, stating that the opposition camp is riddled with internal conflicts.
He said, "The people of Maharashtra have given a clear mandate. The Chief Minister will be from Mahayuti, not from MVA, and certainly not from Congress."
'Patole's aspirations are nothing but pipe dreams'
Highlighting differences within the MVA, Darekar pointed out, "Congress MP Praniti Shinde and her father and former CM Sushil Kumar Shinde supported an independent candidate against Uddhav Thackeray's nominee in a Solapur district constituency. These actions expose internal strife. Without internal harmony, how can parties decide on a Chief Minister? Patole's aspirations to become CM are nothing but 'pipe dreams'."
On the exit polls, Darekar remarked, "While no exit poll is conclusive, most have predicted a Mahayuti victory. Even winning independents may support Mahayuti."
Casting a jibe at Prahar Janashakti Party leader Bacchu Kadu, he said, "Kadu speaks with bravado, but his own seat is at risk. First, he should disclose how many of his candidates are winning."
'Focus on international issues in the US, Rahul Gandhi'
Regarding Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Adani group, the BJP leader quipped, "Rahul Gandhi should go to the US and focus on international issues where his comments might carry weight. His remarks about the downfall of the central government are childish and baseless."
On allegations by NCP (S) MP Supriya Sule and Patole about using bitcoin illegally for elections, Darekar said the truth will soon come out.
Sule and Patole have both denied the allegations.
He said, "ED investigations are revealing connections to MVA leaders. The truth will soon emerge."
Highlighting the voter turnout increase in the November 20 Assembly elections in the state, Darekar credited the RSS for grassroots-level campaigning to encourage voting.
According to the Election Commission, the final voter turnout in the Maharashtra Assembly elections was 66.05 percent, which was 61.1 percent in 2019. Darekar stated that the 'Sister Scheme' of the Mahayuti government attracted female voters.
