The ongoing tussle between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has intensified after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s sweeping victory in the state assembly elections. With both leaders staking claims to the CM post, political observers warn the rift could destabilize the alliance if left unresolved.
Election Success Fuels Conflict
The BJP, emerging as the dominant force with 124 seats in the 288-member assembly, is pushing for Fadnavis to reclaim the CM chair, a post he held from 2014 to 2019. His leadership was credited with consolidating Hindu votes and leading a strategic ground campaign. “Fadnavis has proven his mettle and delivered the party’s best performance in recent memory,” noted political analyst Rajdeep Sardesai.
Meanwhile, Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, securing a strong 55-seat tally, highlights his success with initiatives like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which significantly swayed women voters. Shinde’s camp insists his role as the face of Mahayuti’s campaign solidifies his claim to the top post. However, the BJP’s performance has tilted the balance in Fadnavis’s favor.
Alliance Under Strain
Tensions were visible during the 26/11 memorial event, where Shinde and Fadnavis avoided direct interactions. Insiders suggest these divisions could worsen if the BJP asks Shinde to serve under Fadnavis. BJP leaders tread cautiously, with Amit Shah stressing a collective decision, while Shinde considers a move to the Union Cabinet.
As both leaders vie for supremacy, political observers warn that a fractured alliance could weaken Mahayuti’s governance in Maharashtra. While BJP supporters rally behind Fadnavis, Shinde’s team continues to assert his indispensability. With the decision looming, maintaining unity will be crucial for the alliance’s long-term stability.
Key stakeholders are actively deliberating the next steps, shaping Maharashtra’s political future through this unfolding leadership battle.
