Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray may have admitted his desire to become Maharashtra chief minister, but close relatives of many political leaders in the state are silently awaiting their turn.

As the state gears up for the assembly election, these leaders are trying to secure tickets for their offspring and relatives.

Pankaj Bhujbal, son of former deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, is 'nursing' his father's Mazgaon assembly constituency in Mumbai.

Similarly, Congress circles are abuzz with talk that Raj Shroff, Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's son-in-law, is keen to contest from south Mumbai.

Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad, who defeated former Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi in the general election, is keen to secure a ticket for his daughter Varsha from Dharavi, a reserved seat, sources said.

Gaikwad had represented Dharavi in 1985, 1990 and 1999.

Meanwhile, Congress MP R S Gavai wants his son Rajendra Gavai to get a ticket, the sources added.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are not far behind in the race.

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya is making all efforts to get the ticket of Mulund assembly constituency in Mumbai for his wife, the sources said.

Former petroleum minister Ram Naik also wants that his daughter be given a ticket from Borivli assembly constituency in Mumbai, the sources added.