The political future of many satraps in Maharashtra is at stake, know the equation so far

Maharashtra Election: The assembly elections to be held in Maharashtra on Wednesday have brought new excitement in the politics of the state. These elections can prove to be decisive for four major leaders—Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. While the Election Commission has recognized the factions of Shinde and Ajit Pawar as the real heirs of Shiv Sena and NCP, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray are fighting to save their respective reputations.

Battle of the 'real': Who will be trusted by the public?

The battle between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar over the real legacy of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has now reached the assembly elections. In the Lok Sabha elections, Sharad Pawar strengthened his faction, while Ajit Pawar suffered a crushing defeat. This time Ajit Pawar is hoping for a comeback, but Sharad Pawar has concentrated his strength in his stronghold of Western Maharashtra. On the other hand, the electoral struggle continues between the Uddhav and Shinde factions of Shiv Sena over the identity of the 'real Shiv Sena'.

While the Election Commission has considered the Shinde faction as the real heir of Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray has tried to remind the public during the election campaign that his party has served Mumbai and Maharashtra for years.

Both factions of Shiv Sena face to face on 50 seats

In the election, both factions of Shiv Sena and NCP are giving a direct fight on many seats. Shinde and Uddhav factions of Shiv Sena are face to face on 50 seats, while Sharad and Ajit factions of NCP are challenging each other on 37 seats.

The alliances of Mahayuti (BJP-Shinde-Ajit faction) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress-Sharad Pawar-Uddhav faction) have put their full strength in the elections. BJP is contesting on 149 seats, while Shinde faction is trying its luck on 81 and Ajit faction on 59 seats. At the same time, Congress is contesting on 101, Shiv Sena (UBT) on 95, and NCP (SP) on 86 seats.

Mumbai and Western Maharashtra: Decisive Fronts of Politics

The battle for supremacy between the two factions of Shiv Sena will be the most interesting in Mumbai. The financial capital was earlier dominated by the undivided Shiv Sena, but now there is a direct contest between the Uddhav and Shinde factions.

Western Maharashtra, which is considered the stronghold of the Pawar family, is also the center of political battle this time. Sharad Pawar has termed Ajit Pawar and his faction as "rebels" and appealed to the voters to vote against them. Ajit Pawar has avoided emotional appeals in the region and focused on the agenda of development and stability.

The story of the assembly elections is different from the Lok Sabha elections

While the NCP (SP) won 8 seats and the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 9 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the format and issues of the assembly elections are different. This time the role of smaller parties—AIMIM, BSP and Samajwadi Party—will also be important. These parties can spoil the equations of the big parties by cutting votes in some areas.

Impact of the results: Whose political future will be safe?

The results of these elections will not only decide the direction of Maharashtra's politics, but will also have a profound impact on the political future of the four major leaders - Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.

If Ajit Pawar and Shinde's faction get a big victory, it will strengthen their position. On the other hand, defeat for Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray will mean questions being raised on the credibility of their parties.

This time's assembly elections can not only change the political scenario, but will also determine the identity of the real leader among the people of Maharashtra.