By Ritvick Arun Bhalekar: Amid claims for the chief ministerial post from all parties in Maharashtra, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has also jumped into the fray, stating that he is willing to become the next chief minister of Maharashtra. He also offered NCP chief Sharad Pawar to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Ramdas Athawale, in a press conference in Maharashtra’s Sangli, said that everyone is vying to be a chief minister these days. However, it is only possible if one has a majority, he said, adding, “Since there is so much discussion, even I want to convey that I am also aspiring to become a chief minister.”
The state has not had a Dalit chief minister since Sushil Kumar Shinde, he further added.
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“If there is any such thought, I am definitely willing to be the chief minister. But currently our government is stable and Eknath Shinde is working well. He works 16 to 18 hours a day. He is an efficient chief minister,” Athawale said.
“Sharad Pawar has taught us politics. Experienced people like him should come to the NDA. People of different ideologies, like George Fernandes and Nitish Kumar also came to the NDA. Thus, Pawar Sahab should consider this proposal,” offered Athawale.
Pawar’s nephew and NCP leader Ajit Pawar last week said he, too, aspires to be the chief minister of Maharashtra. His response came to a question about whether he was aiming for the top post when Maharashtra goes to polls next year.
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