The Mahayuti alliance partners, BJP and Shiv Sena, on Friday reacted sharply to NCP member Jay Pawar's expressed hope that his mother, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, would become the Chief Minister after the 2029 assembly elections in Maharashtra.
BJP's Stance on Chief Ministerial Aspirations
BJP Minister Jaykumar Gore asserted that the BJP would return to power in 2029 under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He emphasized that while everyone is free to express their opinions, adequate legislative strength and public support are necessary to become Chief Minister. Gore highlighted that the current government is functioning well under Fadnavis, who enjoys sufficient backing from both the people and legislators.
Shiv Sena's Reaction
Shiv Sena's Bharat Gogawale took a swipe at Jay Pawar, suggesting that the latter might be dreaming about the future following Sunetra's recent record-margin victory in the bypoll. Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat commented that it is natural for party workers to hope their leaders become Chief Minister. He noted that Shiv Sena workers would want Eknath Shinde to become CM, while BJP workers would want Fadnavis to continue, and there is nothing wrong with such ambitions.
BJP Spokesperson's Views
BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban remarked that it is natural for workers of every alliance partner to express a desire to see their leader as Chief Minister. He predicted that Fadnavis would remain Chief Minister at least until 2029, as the BJP currently has the majority support required to form the government.
Opposition's Take
Jay Pawar's remarks also drew reactions from the opposition. His cousin, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, stated that it was both the late Ajit Pawar's wish and the collective view of NCP and NCP (SP) workers that he should attempt for the Chief Minister's post in the 2029 assembly elections. He said the idea behind bringing the two parties together was to strengthen their political position ahead of the polls. Rohit Pawar added that anyone aspiring to become Chief Minister in Maharashtra must politically oppose the BJP, as Ajit Pawar did in his final days. He warned that dreaming of the CM post while remaining in alliance with the BJP would not be possible.
Congress Perspective
Sachin Sawant of Congress pointed out that political history across the country shows that allies of the BJP often have to give up the ambition of occupying the Chief Minister's post. He cited the example of Bihar, where BJP's Samrat Chaudhary became Chief Minister after JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar went to the Rajya Sabha. Sawant reiterated that if one wants the Chief Minister's post, they must stand against the BJP.
