MUMBAI: Wednesday's Assembly polls in Maharashtra , besides choosing a new government, will also decide the fate of three generals from three different camps - NCP chief Sharad Pawar, BJP national general secretary Pramod Mahajan and Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray.

For this mismatched trio, the day will stand out as more crucial than even the recent Lok Sabha polls. While for Mr Pawar, this election means reinventing his stature, Mr Mahajan has to prove a point to rivals within the party hierarchy after the BJP's rout in the Parliament. Mr Thackeray, who has been given another chance to prove his mettle, will have to ensure that he leaves a mark as the true successor of the Thackeray legacy.

Even though Mr Pawar might be a maestro in this art and the other two have had ample scope to hone their skills through organizational politics in stringent cadre-based parties, there could be sleepless nights behind the confident facade.

Mr Pawar, although, continues to remain a larger-than-life image for agriculturalists from western Maharashtra, even more so with his newly-attained status as the Union agriculture minister.

The icon seems to be getting frayed at the edges with the recent BCCI misadventure. Although his loss in the BCCI election might not directly affect his stature, it was definitely a face loss for the Maratha strongman.

Mr Pawar is also reported to have told close circles that next time he will move out of Maharashtra politics and opt for the Rajya Sabha. While ill-health could be one of the impediments, if the NCP fails to fare well, he might face a setback.

"The NCP has maintained a consistent margin in the last few Assembly elections, acquiring between 45 to 60 seats every time. As Congress (S), he won 47 seats in 1980, 54 in 1985 and 58 in 1999.

Since this is the first time, Pawar is fighting an Assembly election jointly with the Congress, his magic has to work. Otherwise, he might have to merge the NCP with the bigger party," Congress sources said.

Mr Mahajan, who was in charge of the state for the Lok Sabha elections, did not fare well, cutting him off from the party's national scenario, despite holding the general secretary's office. Making it in this election could put Mr Mahajan on the national map or keep him in the lurch for the next five years.

Mr Thackeray also faces a similar predicament with the recent Lok Sabha results. While some expected him to pick a few leaves form his father's notebook on charismatic leadership, opposition within the Sena was equally strong.

Even after borrowing a few notes, including calling NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal "lakhoba," and producing an edgy speech, he can hardly echo the senior Thackeray's appeal. Following the Lok Sabha results, his leadership faced a setback and this could be his sole chance at establishing himself as the Senapati.

Noted political analyst Arun Tikekar, although, agrees this election to be crucial, he feels that it is not a major election for Mr Pawar. "It is not as important for him as it is made out to be. But his stature is bound to go uphill if the NCP manages to raise its margin," he said.

Mr Tikekar, however, agreed that for Mr Mahajan and Mr Thackeray, this election will have substantial concern. "Mr Mahajan had been the architect of the Sena-BJP combine 20 years ago.

His aim has always been to acquire more seats than the Sena. If he can achieve that objective this time, he will emerge as the winner. This will also help his brother-in-law and BJP state president Gopinath Munde to become the chief minister," he said.

He added that for Uddhav, his leadership is at stake. "If the Sena fails in managing a fair turnout, it will prove to be incisive. It might also show that he was not the right choice. Besides, Raj is waiting in the wings to prove himself," Mr Tikekar added. -By arrangement with Asian Age/New Delhi