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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Tiger’s Expanding Shadow

Mumbai: In the unforgiving theater of the state politics, symbolism is often the precursor to a tectonic shift. By masterminding the unexpected move to field Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir for the coveted post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has done much more than simply poach a high-profile rival. He has sent an unequivocal message across the political spectrum: ‘Operation Tiger’ is far from over. This aggressive expansion...

Tiger’s Expanding Shadow

Mumbai: In the unforgiving theater of the state politics, symbolism is often the precursor to a tectonic shift. By masterminding the unexpected move to field Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir for the coveted post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has done much more than simply poach a high-profile rival. He has sent an unequivocal message across the political spectrum: ‘Operation Tiger’ is far from over. This aggressive expansion drive, initially aimed at consolidating Members of Parliament, is now systematically drilling down to legislators, municipal corporators, and the very grassroots foundation of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. However, while this tactical victory further decimates the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the collateral anxiety it has generated is being felt most acutely not within the UBT camp, but deep within the ranks of Shinde’s own senior ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party. To understand the gravity of Shinde’s relentless political expansion, one must trace the genesis of his rebellion back to the very same upper house. It was the fateful MLC elections of 2022 where the then-ruling MVA suffered a humiliating defeat, losing a crucial seat to the opposition BJP. The blame for this cross-voting debacle was squarely placed on Eknath Shinde by the Uddhav Thackeray coterie. That slight became the catalyst for the most spectacular political coup in the state’s recent history. A deeply hurt Shinde broke ranks, splintered the Shiv Sena, and ultimately brought the MVA government under Uddhav Thackeray crashing down. The BJP, still smarting from Thackeray’s 2019 decision to abandon their pre-poll alliance in favor of the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, not only fanned the flames of Shinde’s rebellion but actively bankrolled his ascent. In a move that stunned political pundits across the country, the BJP installed Shinde as the Chief Minister—an investment they believed would permanently relegate the Shiv Sena to a subservient, manageable role. Political Emancipation For the ordinary BJP worker on the ground, the splintering of the Shiv Sena felt like a long-awaited political emancipation. For decades, the BJP grassroots had harbored a deep-seated grievance of being forced to play second fiddle to a domineering regional partner. The vertical split engineered by Shinde relieved that historical pressure. This newfound dominance was brilliantly cemented in the 2024 state assembly elections, where the BJP delivered a spectacular standalone performance, sending a record-breaking 132 legislators to the lower house. For the first time in the truest sense, the common BJP party worker tasted the unadulterated fruits of absolute political hegemony. They were the undisputed big brothers of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, dictating terms and driving the state’s overarching political narrative. But Shinde’s surprise gambit with Sachin Ahir has violently disrupted this comfortable status quo. It confirms that he is not content merely surviving as a BJP-propped proxy. Under his astute leadership, his faction of the Shiv Sena has steadily mutated into a formidable political machine in its own right. By persistently absorbing the residual strength of the UBT faction, Shinde is systematically rebuilding the undivided Shiv Sena’s original architecture, just with a different captain at the helm. Operation Tiger is clearly no longer just about numerical survival; it is a meticulously planned project for absolute resurrection. Palpable Sense This relentless consolidation has triggered a palpable sense of dread among the BJP foot soldiers. The murmurs on the ground are increasingly anxious, painting a picture of an alliance marked by silent internal friction. If Shinde continues to successfully woo the remaining legislators, corporators, and shakha pramukhs from the Thackeray camp, his Sena could very well regain the organizational muscle and street-level dominance of the undivided era. The BJP leadership’s short-term strategy to use Shinde to annihilate the Thackerays might inadvertently breed a political behemoth they can no longer control. For the seasoned BJP cadre, the impending power dynamics within the Mahayuti combine look increasingly precarious. The immediate goal of keeping the MVA out of power is being achieved, but they are now questioning at what cost to the BJP’s own regional supremacy. As Eknath Shinde’s political stature grows by the day, the fundamental question haunting the local BJP karyakarta is no longer about today’s legislative arithmetic. It is an existential apprehension looking toward the future: If Shinde succeeds in wholly appropriating the legacy, cadre, and strength of the original Shiv Sena, the BJP may find itself right back where it started by the 2029 elections—forced, once again, to play the reluctant junior partner in its own political backyard.

Gamble and the Challenge

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Eknath Shinde

As Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the election results on November 23, one name dominates political discussions: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Known for his bold moves, Shinde has reshaped the state’s political dynamics in unprecedented ways. In June 2022, Shinde set the stage for upheaval when he, along with several MLAs, left for Surat, plunging the coalition government into crisis. Just days later, with the BJP’s support, he assumed the role of chief minister, marking a shift no one saw coming.


The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, a coalition formed in 2019 by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, had governed Maharashtra until Shinde’s exit. The impact of this political drama on state politics cannot be understated, as Shinde’s departure led to the fall of the MVA government. Over the past two years, Shinde has defied expectations, run a successful government while demonstrating independence from the BJP—a scenario few anticipated. His political acumen has now positioned him as a rising figure in BJP’s inner circle, potentially posing a challenge to BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis.


For Shinde, this election marks a crucial turning point. His objective is clear: securing wins for as many of his candidates as possible, solidifying his position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. However, the real test lies beyond the election results. In a political era where party loyalty is fluid, Shinde’s task will be to retain the loyalty of the elected MLAs.


Shinde’s journey from auto-rickshaw driver to prominent Shiv Sena leader has endeared him to the people, especially in Thane. Known for his humble behavior, he has built strong connections across all levels, from party workers to local households. However, this simplicity has led some BJP leaders to underestimate him. Now, even his allies realize that Shinde’s strategic mind and influence extend far beyond appearances.


One of Shinde’s significant achievements has been implementing the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an initiative originally from Madhya Pradesh’s BJP government, which gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. This move not only showcases his keen sense of public sentiment but also distances him from his allies by establishing his independent policy-making approach.


Despite his growing influence, Shinde faces a challenge from the grassroots Shiv Sainiks who view him as a “traitor” for breaking with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. Recasting the narrative behind his decision to part ways with UBT will be essential if he hopes to gain widespread voter support.


Emphasizing his motivations and successes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ may help him connect with skeptical constituents.


With solid connections at the local level and rapport with senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s influence is likely to endure. This election will ultimately test Shinde’s leadership, resilience, and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape. As Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance, Shinde stands at the forefront, steering the state’s uncertain course with both determination and ambition.

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