Sanjay Raut Suggests Postponing Discussion on MVA’s Chief Ministerial Candidate

Mumbai, 5th September 2024: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated on Thursday that discussions about the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections could be postponed. He emphasized that the MVA’s primary objective is to oust the “corrupt” Mahayuti-led state government.

Raut’s remarks came after NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar mentioned that the MVA doesn’t need to announce a CM candidate at this stage, suggesting that such decisions could be made after the election results are in.

“Pawar Saheb is correct. Although this is a three-party coalition, the MVA is set to secure a majority in Maharashtra. Our main goal is to remove the current government, and we can discuss the CM’s position later,” Raut said.

On Wednesday, Aaditya Thackeray also downplayed any internal competition among MVA allies for the CM role. Raut’s comments suggest a shift in the party’s approach to leadership in the next government.

Uddhav Thackeray had previously asserted his interest in reclaiming the Chief Minister’s position if the MVA returns to power but later stated that he would back any candidate supported by Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar).

Meanwhile, Congress proposed making Uddhav Thackeray the head of the coalition instead of officially naming him as the MVA’s CM candidate.

Thackeray stepped down as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in 2022 after Eknath Shinde’s rebellion, which led to the collapse of his government.

Sharad Pawar also called for MVA leaders to begin seat-sharing discussions from September 7-9, suggesting the inclusion of parties like the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), CPI, and CPI-M. Pawar noted that these parties have influence in specific regions and supported the MVA in the Lok Sabha elections. The Maharashtra assembly elections are expected to take place in November this year.