Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a surprising remark in the legislative assembly, addressing his deputy Ajit Pawar as the “permanent deputy CM” while wishing him success in eventually becoming the Chief Minister.
“You are called the ‘permanent deputy CM’… but my wishes are with you. You will be the Chief Minister someday,” Fadnavis said, drawing attention amid ongoing debates on the Governor’s address.
A Trio of Leadership Styles
Fadnavis also commented on the working patterns of Maharashtra’s leadership trio in a light-hearted tone. Ajit Pawar, known for starting his day early, was described as the morning strategist, while Fadnavis takes over in the afternoon, and Eknath Shinde works through the night.
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This camaraderie comes despite the unique political dynamics that saw Ajit Pawar join the BJP-led Mahayuti government in 2023 after splitting from his uncle Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Ajit Pawar’s Ascent
Ajit Pawar, sworn in as Deputy CM for the sixth time, has been a key figure since aligning with the BJP. His faction of the NCP gained control of the party name and symbol, leaving Sharad Pawar leading a smaller group within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.
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His faction’s success in recent assembly elections, where it won 41 out of 57 seats contested, has further cemented his influence within the ruling coalition. The combined strength of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP now dominates Maharashtra politics, with over 230 seats in the 288-member assembly.
Implications of Fadnavis’ Comment
While Fadnavis’ remark was ostensibly made in jest, it has sparked speculation about the future leadership in Maharashtra. The comment may signal growing acceptance and acknowledgment of Ajit Pawar’s pivotal role within the coalition, or it could simply be a strategic gesture aimed at maintaining unity in the diverse alliance.
With Maharashtra politics marked by dramatic shifts and alliances, the remark adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving dynamics within the state’s ruling coalition.
