BJP Declares Their CM Candidate: Clear Indication

With the Maharashtra elections slated for November 20 and results expected three days later, discussions around chief ministerial candidates have reached their peak. The ruling alliance has thrown down a challenge to the opposition coalition regarding their CM candidate.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a challenge to Sharad Pawar, asking the opposition to reveal their CM candidate, while asserting that the ruling coalition already has their candidate in place. Fadnavis, referring to Eknath Shinde, declared that Shinde would continue as the alliance's candidate for CM.

Fadnavis' announcement makes it clear that the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance has chosen Shinde as their CM candidate, further solidifying BJP's backing of Shinde. This decision signifies that the arrangement made when Shinde split from the Shiv Sena and was appointed CM is not temporary, and there will be no new face brought forward for the elections. Fadnavis confirmed that Shinde would be the CM candidate for the upcoming elections.

The key question now is how Shinde's image will impact the alliance’s chances of winning. In the Lok Sabha elections, under Shinde’s leadership, the Shiv Sena had a better strike rate than BJP. It also appears that the BJP doesn't feel the need to declare a BJP leader as the CM candidate, reinforcing Shinde's standing.

Fadnavis' challenge to the opposition—demanding they reveal their candidate—further intensifies the election atmosphere. Meanwhile, both alliances are actively negotiating seat allocations.