Ajit Pawar, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, aims to establish his authority in the new government. He has already received important portfolios such as finance, planning, and excise. Additionally, he is expected to play a significant role in decision-making.
Pawar’s rise to power reflects the shifting dynamics in Maharashtra politics. He is viewed as a pragmatic leader in contrast to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, and he is more open to collaborating with the BJP. This positions him as a key player in the state’s future.
Nevertheless, Pawar’s power is not yet secure. He must maintain the support of his own party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), while also being cautious not to alienate the Shiv Sena, the other major party in the government.
Several factors will determine Pawar’s ability to consolidate his power:
- The management of the NCP-Shiv Sena relationship.
- Handling the assigned portfolios effectively.
- Interactions with the BJP.
- Building a strong support base within the NCP.
Pawar’s success hinges on finding a balance among these different elements. If he can achieve this, he could wield significant influence in Maharashtra politics. However, failure to do so may lead to his marginalization or even removal from the government.
