In the election season all eyes are turning towards Maharashtra, where the political landscape is intensifying as the state eagerly awaits its own Assembly election dates. Maharashtra’s elections are expected to be a litmus test for the ruling and opposition alliances, reflecting broader trends that may shape the national political narrative leading up to the general elections. The outcome of these elections is likely to hinge on several factors, with infrastructure and development emerging as critical determinants for the key players.
A central figure in Maharashtra’s infrastructure transformation has been former Chief Minister and current Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. During his first term, Fadnavis faced several challenges as his government encountered criticism on multiple issues, particularly regarding farmer distress, rising unemployment, and insufficient relief efforts during severe droughts. However, despite these hurdles, Fadnavis was instrumental in reshaping the state’s infrastructure landscape. He is credited with not only initiating and advancing major projects like expressways, highways, and metro systems but also with establishing a dedicated office to track and expedite these developments. His office focused on both large-scale projects and urban infrastructure, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive state development.
Under Fadnavis’s leadership, key infrastructure projects such as the coastal road, the trans-harbour link, and the metro network have been fast-tracked. His efforts were pivotal in reviving the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a project dormant for over five decades, and advancing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, India’s first high-speed rail project. Additionally, he played a crucial role in garnering support for the Versova-Virar Sea Link and overcoming challenges related to the Mumbai Metro Line 3.
“Fadnavis model of governance” turned Maharashtra into an investment hub, attracting both domestic and international business through initiatives like the “Magnetic Maharashtra Summit” and “Make in Maharashtra.” These efforts, combined with youth-centric policies like the “Skill Development Mission” and the “Startup Policy,” boosted economic growth and job creation. Fadnavis’s strategic approach has left a lasting impact, with the current government continuing to follow the blueprint he established. This dedication to advancing infrastructure has been a cornerstone of his leadership and has solidified his position as a towering figure in Maharashtra politics.
Recent attacks from Uddhav Thackeray highlight Fadnavis’s growing influence and the opposition’s recognition of him as a major threat. His growing influence has prompted calculated moves by opponents who fear his popularity and effectiveness as a mass leader. His strategic actions and grassroots mobilisation have been pivotal in shaping the BJP’s success in Maharashtra, especially since 2014 when the party, under his leadership, won 122 seats in the assembly elections.
During Eknath Shinde’s swearing-in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in June 2022, Devendra Fadnavis initially stated that he would not be part of the new administration. Nevertheless, following a directive from the central leadership and in the interest of maintaining party unity, Fadnavis agreed to serve as Deputy Chief Minister. His decision to abide by the party’s decision, despite facing personal and political challenges, underscores his deep commitment to the party and its broader goals. Fadnavis’s sense of responsibility and loyalty to the BJP has been evident in his efforts to stabilise the newly formed Mahayuti government and redirect the state’s development agenda, which had stalled during the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi administration.
Both the RSS and the BJP’s central leadership believe that, if the BJP is to win the upcoming assembly election, Fadnavis remains central to the party’s strategy. His leadership, popularity, and organisational skills are seen as crucial assets as the BJP prepares for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Projecting Fadnavis as the face of the party— the “Vikas Purush” is considered essential for navigating the challenges ahead and regaining power in the state.
(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal)
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