Pune, October 12: As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 approach, political tensions are escalating, particularly within the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. A new twist has emerged in Pune, where banners featuring Congress State President Nana Patole as the ‘Future Chief Minister’ have appeared, stirring significant debate in political circles. The timing of these posters has ignited discussions about potential rifts within the MVA and speculations about who might ultimately be the alliance’s face for the Chief Minister’s post.

Political Drama Ahead of the Elections

The upcoming Maharashtra elections will see a face-off between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition MVA. Despite internal disagreements over the leadership question, the MVA has yet to publicly announce its Chief Ministerial candidate. Calls have been growing, particularly from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, for the MVA to declare its candidate. In the midst of this tension, Pune’s streets were suddenly adorned with posters projecting Nana Patole as the future Chief Minister, potentially fanning the flames of discord within the alliance. (Pune Politics)

“Maharashtra Needs Nana Patole as CM”

The banners, prominently displayed across various locations in Pune, carry the message: “Maharashtra needs Nana Bhau as its Chief Minister.” The phrase, coupled with the slogan “Nana’s time is coming soon,” hints at a growing movement within Congress to position Patole as the MVA’s leader for the 2024 elections. The emergence of these banners has coincided with heightened political activity, especially as leaders prepare for tomorrow’s Dussehra gathering, where Uddhav Thackeray is expected to make key statements about the leadership question. (Nana Patole News)

Nana Patole’s Ambitious Claim

Nana Patole has not shied away from making bold claims about his political journey. Responding to recent comments by MP Praful Patel, who hinted that the future CM might already be decided, Patole stated, “They didn’t want me to become an MLA, but I did. They didn’t want me to become an MP, but I did. I even became Speaker of the Assembly. Now, I will be the Chief Minister.” This statement, combined with the emergence of the Pune banners, has sparked widespread speculation about his ambitions and Congress’s strategy going into the elections. (Pune City News)

Political Implications

The sudden rise of pro-Nana Patole sentiment, as reflected in these posters, has further complicated the already tense situation within the MVA. There is growing concern that these developments may deepen internal divisions, particularly with the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction pushing for clarity on the Chief Ministerial candidate.