Eknath Shinde, incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister, emerged as the most important player in Maharashtra politics in 2022 when he orchestrated a rebellion in the Shiv Sena, split it into two, and joined hands with the BJP to become the CM. Now, in 2024, he has again positioned himself as one of the most important players for the Mahayuti. But with the alliance fighting the polls without a clear CM face, the top state government post remains open for anyone in the MVA.
The top contenders for the CM's chair are likely to be the Shinde Sena and the BJP, with speculation rife that Devendra Fadnavis could again come back as the CM if the Mahayuti wins. However, it would be tough to cite a reason for not continuing with Shinde if the strike rate of the Shiv Sena is higher than the BJP, just as in the Lok Sabha polls.
What Shiv Sena Argues In Favour Of Eknath Shinde
Shiv Sena sources said it would be in Mahayuti's favour if Eknath Shinde is continued as the CM if the coalition wins. This would prevent Uddhav Thackeray and the Maha Vikas Aghadi from getting any political fodder and gaining ground in the state. "If they do not make Shinde the CM the Uddhav will again get ground to expand. So, it is necessary to keep the Shinde Shiv Sena alive if BJP truly wants to keep Uddhav in check," a party insider said
He said: "Had Shinde not been the CM, Uddhav Thackeray would have been a 100-seat party by now." On the flip side, Ajit Pawar's NCP may favour a CM from "Big Brother" BJP.
A rotation policy for the CM's chair was already dismissed by Devendra Fadnavis. "We are not going to play musical chair with the Maharashtra CM's post," he had said.