In a significant political development in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut made an open offer to Ajit Pawar, urging the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister to return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) if he wishes to pursue his long-standing aspiration of becoming Chief Minister. Raut, who serves as the secretary of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, claimed that Pawar cannot become CM within the current ruling alliance, Mahayuti, which comprises the BJP, Ajit Pawar's NCP, and the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde.

Ajit Pawar’s Current Political Landscape: A Tough Road Ahead for CM Aspirations

Ajit Pawar, widely known as Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy CM, has openly expressed his CM ambitions in the past. However, Raut’s statement highlights the limitations of his current position within the Mahayuti alliance, which is dominated by the BJP and led by Eknath Shinde. Raut emphasized that for Pawar to fulfill his CM aspirations, he would need to return to the MVA, a coalition of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) under Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP).

While the MVA is currently the opposition bloc, its political positioning and control over certain constituencies could provide Ajit Pawar with the opportunity to pursue his chief ministerial dream, according to Raut’s assessment. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader urged Pawar to reconsider his current political alliance with the BJP and Eknath Shinde to align himself with the MVA for a better shot at leadership.

The Growing Cold War Between Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar

Notably, there appears to be a growing cold war between Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, the Maharashtra Chief Minister. Recent incidents underscore the rift between the two leaders, as both have deliberately avoided attending each other’s events. A recent example involved Ajit Pawar hosting a program in Mumbai, where he explicitly requested that Shinde refrain from sending a representative if he could not attend personally, as the event was intended to honor a former CM.

Further tensions were evident when, during a Tourism Department program in Satara, Ajit Pawar attended despite his busy schedule, while Eknath Shinde was represented by a Shiv Sena leader. Shinde’s supporters have suggested that his absence was due to prior commitments, highlighting the personal and political strains between the two.

Pawar’s Political Shift: From NCP to Mahayuti

Ajit Pawar’s political journey took a significant turn in 2023, when he broke away from the NCP led by Sharad Pawar and joined the Eknath Shinde-led cabinet. This move caused a considerable shake-up in Maharashtra politics, as it not only created a split in the NCP but also gave Ajit Pawar control over the party's name and clock symbol. Despite his new position within the Mahayuti alliance, Pawar’s CM ambitions have repeatedly clashed with the leadership dynamics within the coalition, leading to the current impasse with Shinde.

Mahayuti’s Dominance and the MVA's Decline

In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious with a strong majority, securing 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP, Ajit Pawar's NCP, and the Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde secured this overwhelming mandate, leaving the MVA opposition with just 46 seats. This result further solidified the Mahayuti coalition's dominance, but it also fueled internal tensions, particularly regarding the leadership aspirations of both Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.

What’s Next: Can Ajit Pawar Find a Path to CM?

Ajit Pawar’s CM aspirations continue to dominate Maharashtra’s political discourse. Raut’s suggestion for Pawar to return to the MVA highlights the ongoing political tug-of-war between the two coalitions. With the Mahayuti alliance currently in power, Pawar’s chances of becoming CM within the existing framework appear slim. However, the possibility of his return to the MVA could shift the political balance in Maharashtra, potentially making him a viable candidate for the top post.

Conclusion: A Critical Crossroad for Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar’s future in Maharashtra politics seems to be at a critical juncture. While his political career has been marked by success and experience, the ongoing cold war with Eknath Shinde and his aspirations for the chief ministerial post are pushing him towards a potential shift. Whether he will return to the MVA or continue navigating the political complexities within Mahayuti remains to be seen, but the coming months could shape the future of Maharashtra’s leadership.

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