While the Congress-NCP is confident of winning the Assembly polls, at least 13 heavyweights, across political parties, hope to find themselves in the chief minister’s chair:

•n Ashok Chavan (Congress)

Chief Minister

Son of former Union minister late S B Chavan, Ashok took over from Vilasrao Deshmukh as the CM 10 months ago, following 26/11.

Advantages: Younger than others in the race. Non-controversial.

Disadvantages: Has detractors in the Congress (such as Deshmukh) and NCP (such as Chhagan Bhujbal). Disliked by NCP ministers, who accused him of not clearing their files. Will face a tough task in getting support of the MLAs in case of a fractured mandate.

•n Narayan Rane (Congress)

Industries Minister

Once a firebrand Sena leader, but now the Industries Minister in the Congress-NCP cabinet. Holds sway over Konkan region. Got his elder son Nilesh elected to Lok Sabha. Wants to promote his younger son Nitesh in politics.

Advantages: Was the CM in 1999 during the Sena-BJP regime. After joining the Congress in 2005, managed to win over Sena MLAs into the Congress-fold, enabling the party to become the single-largest by increasing its strength from 69 to 75 in the Assembly.

Disadvantages: A rabble-rouser. Had criticised Deshmukh, MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre, Ashok Chavan and some Delhi leaders when denied chief ministership. Also lacks pan-Maharashtra appeal.

•n Vilasrao Deshmukh (Congress)

Union Minister

Former chief minister and now Union Minister for Heavy Industries. Was groomed by S B Chavan (Ashok Chavan’s father) in politics and has been anti-Sharad Pawar like his mentor. Was CM from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2008, when he had to quit following 26/11. Is promoting his son Amit (Assembly candidate from Latur City) in state politics. Amit, if elected, can vacate seat if Deshmukh returns to state.

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