The question of who will take the helm as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis or Eknath Shinde continues to pose a challenge for the Mahayuti alliance. While BJP’s strong performance in the recently concluded assembly elections has tilted the scales towards Fadnavis, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena remains a key stakeholder in the decision-making process.
BJP Favors Fadnavis for CM Role
The BJP is reportedly keen on bringing Devendra Fadnavis back to Varsha, the CM’s official residence in Mumbai. Party insiders believe Fadnavis played a significant role in securing the alliance’s landslide victory after serving as deputy CM under Shinde for the past two and a half years.
The BJP’s leadership sees this as an opportune moment to leverage its numbers and appoint Fadnavis, who has a track record of administrative efficiency and political acumen. Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP and even the RSS are said to support Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister.
Shinde’s Reluctance to Step Down
Eknath Shinde, however, appears hesitant to vacate the CM’s chair. Sources indicate that Shinde believes his continuation in office would benefit the Mahayuti alliance in upcoming local body elections, including the pivotal Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Shinde’s appeal among urban and Marathi voters, bolstered by his grassroots connections and successful initiatives like the Ladki Bahin campaign, is viewed as a key asset for the alliance. His supporters argue that his leadership could further consolidate Mahayuti’s position in Maharashtra politics.
Internal Discussions
Intense discussions are reportedly underway within BJP’s top leadership. While some argue that Shinde’s leadership aligns with the coalition’s regional strategy, others see Fadnavis as a dynamic leader who can align state governance with the national BJP’s development agenda.
Multiple rounds of meetings, including a high-level brainstorming session on Saturday night, have yet to yield a conclusive decision. Party insiders suggest that resolving the leadership question may take time.
Political Dynamics
This is not the first time Fadnavis has faced hurdles despite his strong credentials. In 2019, although the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won the elections, Fadnavis had to cede the CM post to Shinde, eventually settling for the deputy CM role.
Fadnavis is widely respected for steering Maharashtra through economic reforms and infrastructure projects during his previous tenure. Many believe his return to the CM post would bring a fresh perspective and strengthen the state’s development trajectory.
The Mahayuti alliance’s performance in the Maharashtra elections has been nothing short of remarkable, securing 233 out of 288 seats and leaving the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with a mere 49 seats. This landslide win has further complicated the leadership dynamics within the alliance.
Next Steps in Leadership Transition
Amid the ongoing deliberations, all 57 Shiv Sena MLAs have been summoned for a meeting in Bandra to elect their legislature party leader. The meeting is expected to take place on Monday, with Shinde likely to submit his resignation to the governor by Monday or Tuesday. He may continue as caretaker CM until the new CM and cabinet are sworn in.
As the BJP and its allies navigate this leadership conundrum, the outcome will shape the future political landscape of Maharashtra.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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