Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 16: Former Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has extended an offer to deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, promising them the Chief Minister’s post on a rotational basis if they switch sides, The Indian Express reported on Sunday.

Patole claimed that both leaders are feeling ‘suffocated’ in the BJP-led Mahayuti government, alleging that the BJP will never let them become Chief Minister. "We will extend our support to them. To resolve the CM issue between them, we will give them a CM post on a rotational basis," he stated.

His remarks come amid growing tensions within the ruling alliance, particularly between Shinde and CM Devendra Fadnavis. Reports suggest that Shinde has been sidelined in decision-making, with key projects being stalled and discontent rising over the appointment of guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut backed Patole’s statement. Wadettiwar noted that Shinde is "sulking" due to his treatment in the government and hinted at the possibility of a political shift. Raut emphasized that “nothing is impossible in politics” and recalled the unexpected alliances of 2019 and 2024.

Raut further claimed that Shinde had once considered joining the Congress, stating that former CM Prithviraj Chavan could verify his past meetings with the late Congress leader Ahmed Patel in Delhi.

With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, speculation about fractures within the Mahayuti alliance continues to intensify, hinting at potential realignments in Maharashtra’s political landscape.