Sharad Pawar appears to be disinterested in the CM’s Post. Could it be any tactics?

harad Pawar’s recent statement that he is not interested in the Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra has sparked intrigue.

Sharad Pawar’s recent statement that he is not interested in the Chief Minister’s post in Maharashtra has sparked intrigue. While it may seem generous, Pawar’s move is likely a calculated strategy. By declaring his disinterest, Pawar has achieved two goals: he has placated Uddhav Thackeray, who is eager to occupy the CM’s chair, and has also addressed the aspirations of Congress leaders like Prithviraj Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, and Nana Patole, who are contenders for the post. Pawar’s move is characteristic of his Machiavellian politics. In 2004, he forfeited the CM’s post in exchange for an additional cabinet berth in the UPA government at the centre.

This time, if the MVA returns to power, Pawar could again demand important portfolios in lieu of giving up his party’s claim to the CM’s post. According to NCP sources, it would be prudent for Pawar to avoid putting his party in the race for the chief ministerial position, as it could lead to strife within the MVA and fissures within his party. The MVA alliance is yet to finalize the formula for selecting the CM candidate. The Congress is confident of regaining the chair after emerging as the biggest party in the Lok Sabha polls. Pawar’s statement has added a new dimension to the dynamics within the MVA, and how the situation unfolds remains to be seen.