Anyone in a democracy can become a chief minister, provided he/she has the “magic figure” of 145 seats in the state, said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while responding to state Congress Chief Nana Patol’s chief ministerial aspirations.
“…While there is nothing wrong with anyone expressing a desire to become Chief Minister, he must realise that the magical number of 145 seats (in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly) is needed become the chief minister,” Pawar said.
Earlier this week, Patol reportedly remarked on contesting the 2024 Assembly Elections solo and expressed his desire to be the party’s face for the chief minister post if the high command agrees.
Asked if there is any “formula” over the chief minister post within the ruling three-party Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Pawar said, “As of now there is only one formula – everyone will work under the leadership of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.”
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader said a majority in the assembly decides who will hold the top post.
Speaking about Patol’s statement on going solo in the next assembly polls, he said, “Even if all the three parties (Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) are together in this government, they all have the right to increase their strength”.
Patol’s remark contradicts NCP Chief Sharad Pawar’s recent display of confidence in the tripartite MVA government during the 22nd foundation day of his party.
Pawar had said the MVA will do well in the next Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, indicating the three parties may contest the 2024 polls together.
The Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress came together to form government in Maharashtra following the 2019 Assembly polls, after the Uddhav Thackeray-led party had a fallout with the BJP over the chief ministerial post.
