Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the ruling Mahayuti alliance does not need to announce a candidate for the Chief Minister post, as the “chief minister is right here,” referring to current CM Eknath Shinde. In a joint press conference with CM Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis emphasized that the Mahayuti coalition is confident in its leadership and took the opportunity to challenge the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to declare their CM candidate, accusing them of lacking confidence in their own leadership.
Fadnavis further criticized the MVA—comprising Congress, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP—pointing out past controversies during their tenure, including allegations of corruption and failure in maintaining law and order. He particularly targeted the MVA’s handling of women’s safety, referencing misuse of government resources.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde joined Fadnavis in urging the MVA to announce their candidate and stressed the Mahayuti’s governance achievements over the past two years. The press conference also featured the release of a report card detailing the Mahayuti government’s accomplishments, underscoring the coalition’s focus on implementing populist schemes targeting women and youth.
As the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections approach, the rivalry between the Mahayuti and MVA alliances is intensifying. This election will be the first direct contest between the two coalitions since internal splits within both the Shiv Sena and NCP. While the MVA is aiming to replicate its recent Lok Sabha success, the Mahayuti hopes to retain power by highlighting its governance record and new schemes. In the 2019 Vidhan Sabha elections, the BJP, Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had closely contested, with vote shares ranging from 16% to 26%.
