Maharashtra’s political climate has taken center stage following the Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) victory in the state elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put an end to the speculation surrounding the next Chief Minister’s position. Devendra Fadnavis is set to return as Chief Minister, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar taking oaths as Deputy Chief Ministers. The much-awaited swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at the historic Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
However, the road to this announcement was paved with strategic maneuvering, internal deliberations, and visible cracks within the opposition.
The Delay in the Swearing-In Ceremony
Although BJP quickly emerged as the strongest force post-election, the swearing-in ceremony faced multiple delays. Initially scheduled for earlier dates, the ceremony was pushed back, causing widespread speculation. Insiders suggest the BJP was engaged in behind-the-scenes consolidation to ensure not just stability but dominance in the state assembly.
By December 5, BJP is poised to hold a robust majority, aided by defections from rival parties and alliances with independents and smaller parties. Reports indicate that Rahul Narvekar, a BJP ally, is likely to be re-elected as Speaker of the Assembly—an essential step for controlling legislative proceedings.
Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA): A Fractured Opposition
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, is grappling with internal turmoil. Leaders of the alliance appear disjointed, and factionalism has undermined its effectiveness as an opposition force.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Concerns Over EVMs
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has raised concerns over the transparency of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). He reiterated that voters have the right to verify where their votes are going, calling for mandatory VVPAT verification. However, the BJP dismissed these claims, terming them an attempt to divert attention from internal failures.
Critics note that while the Election Commission allows for VVPAT recount requests within seven days of polling, the Shiv Sena (UBT) did not file any formal complaints about the electoral process—raising questions about the sincerity of these allegations.
MLAs Shifting Loyalties
Amid the opposition’s disarray, reports of defections have intensified. Many MVA legislators, disillusioned with the alliance’s future, are gravitating toward BJP to secure political stability and influence.
Eknath Shinde’s Challenges
Eknath Shinde, who played a crucial role in splitting Shiv Sena and aligning with BJP in 2022, faces dissent within his faction. Several of his MLAs, unhappy over not being allocated key ministerial positions, have expressed dissatisfaction.
Additionally, Shinde’s proposal to appoint his son, Shrikant Shinde, as Deputy Chief Minister was vetoed by BJP, further straining relations. BJP’s leadership firmly communicated that such demands would not be entertained, ensuring the alliance’s structure remains balanced.
Ajit Pawar’s Strategic Role
Ajit Pawar, representing a breakaway faction of NCP, is set to retain key portfolios like Revenue and Public Works. His cooperation with BJP has bolstered their numbers, consolidating the alliance’s grip over the assembly.
BJP’s Numbers Game
In the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, the magic number to form a majority is 145 seats. BJP, which initially secured 132 seats, has seen its tally rise to 138 with support from independents and smaller parties.
Reports suggest that by December 5, BJP is expected to cross the majority mark comfortably. This includes potential defections from MVA, particularly from factions of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP.
Uddhav Thackeray: Losing Ground?
Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership within the Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to face criticism. His decision to ally with Congress has alienated sections of his party, with MLAs blaming the partnership for their electoral setbacks. Several legislators have reportedly reached out to BJP, seeking greener pastures.
Thackeray’s declining influence, compounded by his inability to prevent defections, has relegated him to the sidelines of Maharashtra’s political scene.
What Lies Ahead?
The December 5 swearing-in ceremony will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Maharashtra’s political story. Under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership, the BJP aims to provide stable governance, supported by a solid legislative majority.
For the opposition, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The MVA must address internal conflicts and redefine its strategy if it hopes to counter BJP’s dominance effectively.
As Maharashtra looks forward to a new administration, the state’s political dynamics underscore a shifting balance of power—one that increasingly tilts in favor of the BJP.