Mumbai: The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) made a startling revelation today, stating that NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who recently assumed office as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, is poised to replace Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the near future.

Ajit Pawar orchestrated a seismic split within the NCP on Sunday, catapulting himself into the role of deputy chief minister, which left his uncle and NCP founder, Sharad Pawar, utterly dumbfounded. Additionally, eight NCP leaders were sworn in as ministers in the Shinde-BJP government.

In an editorial featured in the esteemed Shiv Sena (UBT) publication 'Saamana,' it was alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has not only tainted the political landscape of Maharashtra but also tarnished the country's political fabric.

The editorial further asserted, "Ajit Pawar has now etched his name into the annals of history by assuming the role of deputy chief minister. This time, the 'deal' is exceptionally strong."

"It is not the deputy CM position that lured Pawar. Rather, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the rebellious MLAs of the Sena will soon face disqualification, paving the way for Pawar's coronation," the publication proclaimed.

The people of the state are unlikely to embrace this latest turn of events. Such a political shift goes against the established traditions of the state and will undoubtedly lack popular support, the editorial concluded.

The Marathi daily went on to assert that Ajit Pawar's sudden change of allegiance poses a significant threat to Chief Minister Shinde.

It highlighted that when Mr. Shinde and other MLAs abandoned the Shiv Sena, they attributed their departure to the party president and then chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray, for failing to rein in Ajit Pawar, who had exerted considerable control over fund allocation and the sanctioning of work orders. "According to the rebel MLAs, the primary reason for our departure from the Shiv Sena was 'the NCP", reports read.

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