Sharad Pawar, Member of Rajya Sabha
Sharad Pawar, Member of Rajya Sabha

Is it possible for Sharad Pawar to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra again after nearly three decades? From Mumbai to Delhi, the political equations emerging post-voting are being debated. It is rumored that regardless of the election results, Pawar will hold the key to power.

The outcomes for 288 seats in Maharashtra are set to be announced on November 23. 145 MLAs are necessary to establish a government in the state.

Vote counting in Maharashtra is scheduled for November 23, while the assembly’s term concludes on November 26. If no claim is made to establish a government within 3 days, the state may be placed under President’s rule.

If President’s rule is imposed, the decision will rest with the Centre. There are reports indicating that in order to prevent this scenario, the parties will endeavor to establish the government promptly. Pawar can benefit from this opportunity.

Because of the fear of the imposition of President’s rule in 2019, Pawar retained control of many crucial departments such as Finance and Home in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Both the Pawars are projected to secure approximately 70 seats in all exit polls conducted for Maharashtra. There is a competition between candidates supported by Ajit Pawar and candidates supported by Sharad Pawar on approximately 42 assembly seats.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sharad Pawar had the advantage in 38 assembly seats, while Ajit Pawar held the upper hand in 6 seats. There is potential for a turnaround between the two as well.

Ajit Pawar has publicly spoken out against the strategies used by BJP to divide voters in the elections. Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP has been targeting Junior Pawar for this particular reason.

Due to this influence, there is speculation that the Chief Minister position may be given to the Pawar family this time.

Sharad Pawar does not have strong friendships or rivalries with anyone in Maharashtra politics. Pawar, who backed BJP in 2014, sided with Uddhav in 2019. His former colleague Nawab Malik, who is part of the Ajit faction, recently alleged that Sharad Pawar is capable of switching sides.

Surprisingly, neither Mahavikas Aghadi nor Mahayuti has announced a candidate for Chief Minister this time. In this scenario, there is room for the CM position on both sides.

84-year-old Sharad Pawar had dedicated all his energy to this election. He spoke at approximately 55 campaign events throughout the election. During each rally, Pawar continuously emphasized the need to lead Maharashtra in a different direction.

Following senior Pawar’s statement, political circles in Maharashtra are now questioning his thoughts.

Following the defeat in the 1995 assembly elections, Sharad Pawar never managed to secure the position of Chief Minister. Afterwards, he certainly acted as a kingmaker in Maharashtra politics around 4 times, however, he was unable to become the Chief Minister due to political circumstances.

Chhagan Bhujbal and Ajit Pawar, both from Pawar’s party, have served as deputy chief ministers in numerous governments. Ajit continues to serve as deputy chief minister.

Sharad Pawar is running for 89 assembly seats with the support of Mahavikas Aghadi. Sharad is running as a candidate against opponents from the Ajit faction on 42 seats. Sharad’s candidates are directly competing with Shiv Sena (Shinde) and BJP candidates on the 47 remaining seats.

Ajit Pawar is running for candidacy in approximately 60 seats in this election. Except for Sharad, Ajit’s group is competing against Congress on the majority of seats.