Assembly elections are on Oct 15. Too close for comfort one would think! Hence, top leaders of all political hues, who seriously believe they are in with a chance to become the next chief minister of Maharashtra, are lobbying frenziedly, projecting themselves as the most eligible CM candidate. Here is an analytical review of the probable CM candidates.
Prithviraj Chavan (Congress)
For: Mr Clean who is a natural CM choice if he manages to hold fort. He's from western Maharashtra which has contributed the most number of chief ministers to the state. He is also close to the Gandhi family. As CM, took decisions on the maximum number of pending issues like Maratha and Muslim reservations. Tried to curb malpractices in real estate sector by amending development control rules and introducing fungible floor space index; also, set up the housing regulatory authority. He also exercised control over alliance partner NCP and its ministers.
Against: Not a mass leader and not resourceful during polls. In the Lok Sabha polls held under his leadership, Congress won just two seats. It's also alleged that he sits on files for uncertain periods without any valid reason.
Ajit Pawar (NCP)
For: As nephew of party president Sharad Pawar and being from western Maharashtra he is a natural and popular (among NCP MLAs) choice for CM's chair. Also, a good administrator and takes quick decisions. He doesn't make false promises, hence people will not have to do the rounds of various administrative offices to try and get things done. And most important, he has been a long-time aspirant (to the post) and had therefore demanded an equal number of seats for NCP in the alliance along with Congress.
Against: Media has created a negative image of him, making him synonymous with hooligans and a person with loose tongue. Also, mired in controversial irrigation scam though he got a clean chit from Chitale Committee. Anti-incumbency factor also may weigh against him. His straight-forward nature has also created many enemies for him.
Ashok Chavan (Congress)
For: Congress state election coordination committee head. From Marathawada. Son of former CM Shankaro Chavan and close to Gandhi family. Entered Lok Sabha with comfortable margin in spite of the Modi wave.
Against: Had to leave office as his name figured in the Adarsh housing scam. So, even if Congress gets a majority because of his efforts, his maligned image could go against him.
Eknath Khadse (BJP)
For: Leader of opposition and seen as shadow CM in the Westminster mode. Has sub-regional mass base; has been representing Jalgaon since 1990. Belongs to OBC Leva Patil community, which has strong base in north Maharashtra. Accessible. Was minister for irrigation and finance in Sena-BJP govt.
Against: Too many contenders in the party for CM's post. Elements in politically dominant Maratha-Kunbi caste cluster resent rise of leaders from other communities.
Devendra Fadnavis (BJP)
For: Very studious and has a clean image. An aggressive orator and has put up stellar performance in legislature; has a proven electoral record. Acceptable to Sangh Parivar. Hails from Vidarbha from where the bulk of BJP's legislative bench strength is from.
Against: As a Brahmin, he may not fit into Maharashtra's mould of Maratha-Kunbi dominated politics. He'll also have opposition from some BJP leaders.
Nitin Gadkari (BJP)
For: Has vision for development. His performance as PWD minister in Sena-BJP govt was exemplary as he kick-started various signature projects like Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Has Sangh Parivar roots and hails from Vidarbha.
Against: Outspoken. Has many controversies surrounding him and the Purti Group. A Brahmin, and hence may not fit into Maharashtra mould of caste politics. He also has opposition from some leaders in BJP.
Sudhir Mungantiar (BJP)
For: Sangh Parivar background. Aggressive orator. May emerge as the dark horse in case of a deadlock. Hails from BJP stronghold of Chandrapur in Vidarbha. In Nitin Gadkari camp. One of the most accessible MLAs. Good performance in legislature.
Against: Lacks pan-Maharashtra base.
Vinod Tawade (BJP)
For: A Maratha leader with Sangh Parivar background. Aggressive.
Against: Lacks mass base.
Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena)
For: Only leader from the party, which was seen as the bigger partner in the saffron alliance, who will stake claim for CM post. Sena has a strong grassroots network.
Against: Lacks administrative experience. An assertive BJP riding on Modi wave may wrest ground from Sena, which has not been able to create any showpiece project in Mumbai, which has been under its control non-stop since 1997. Poor communicator, relies too much on a coterie. Lacks direct connect with the masses.
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