Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar? Speculation rises over CM post as Mahayuti heads for landslide win in Maha
Mumbai: With counting still underway for Maharashtra's 288 Assembly constituencies, early trends show the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is heading for a landslide victory. Meanwhile, speculation is intensifying over who will lead the state government.
The BJP’s seat tally is projected to rise significantly from 105 in 2019 to around 125, commanding its role as the dominant member in the alliance, with a staggering strike rate of 84%.
BJP spokesperson Pravin Darekar expressed that Devendra Fadnavis, a two-term Chief Minister, might reclaim the top post, describing the results as “overwhelming.” However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatare argued for continuity, advocating for current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to retain the role.
BJP leader Keshav Upadhaye emphasized that the election outcome reflects the people's vote for development, but he noted that many party workers favor Fadnavis as the Chief Minister.
Adding to the drama, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, a Deputy Chief Minister in the current government, has also emerged as a potential contender. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, publicly expressed her desire to see him as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, further fueling discussions within the coalition.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
“Voters were intimidated, threatened,” alleges Uttar Pradesh Cong Chief Ajay Rai
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Saturday alleged that the voters were intimidated and threatened by the ruling BJP regime. Rai's remarks came as counting for nine Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh shows a strong performance by the BJP and its ally, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).
“It was already decided in UP that the BJP is fighting the elections with the help of its machinery. The result of that has come out. All the machinery of the government, from police to administration, was deployed. Voters were intimidated and threatened. This is a complete murder of democracy,” Rai said, as reported by Hindustan Times.
According to latest ECI trends the BJP and its ally, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) is performing strongly. Out of the nine Assembly constituencies where bypolls were held, the BJP is leading in five seats—Kundarki, Khair, Ghaziabad, Phulpur, and Majhawan. Its ally, the RLD, is ahead in Meerapur. The Samajwadi Party (SP), however, is not far behind, leading in three constituencies: Karhal, Katehari, and Sisamau.
