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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Shinde skips Cabinet meet leaving tongues wagged

Mumbai: The ruling alliance in Maharashtra is witnessing yet another formidable tremor as simmering tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena threaten to boil over ahead of the crucial Legislative Council elections. The rift was blown wide open on Tuesday when Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister, noticeably skipped the state cabinet meeting. While his office quickly attributed the absence to close family rituals and maintained that it occurred with the...

Shinde skips Cabinet meet leaving tongues wagged

Mumbai: The ruling alliance in Maharashtra is witnessing yet another formidable tremor as simmering tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena threaten to boil over ahead of the crucial Legislative Council elections. The rift was blown wide open on Tuesday when Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister, noticeably skipped the state cabinet meeting. While his office quickly attributed the absence to close family rituals and maintained that it occurred with the prior consent of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, political circles are buzzing with a vastly different interpretation. This absence is widely viewed as a calculated message of displeasure, arriving directly on the heels of a massive rebellion across six of the 17 constituencies heading to the polls for the Upper House of the state legislature. The prevailing unease within the coalition was forcefully articulated just a day earlier by senior Shiv Sena leader Abdul Sattar. On Monday, Sattar openly accused the BJP of systematically attempting to finish off his party. Highlighting the growing friction over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming polls, Sattar asserted that the BJP was operating with a corrosive agenda to politically marginalise its regional ally. In a swift response, a visibly concerned Shinde immediately summoned Sattar to Mumbai. However, the optics of the ensuing journey only added more fuel to the fire. On Tuesday, enroute to the state capital via the Samruddhi corridor, Sattar held an impromptu meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve. This rendezvous lent substantial credence to the swirling speculations regarding a potential merger of the estranged Shiv Sena factions. Shinde squarely denied any possibility of a retreat to the Uddhav Thackeray fold. He stated that his party remains the true torchbearer of the Hindutva ideology and the original roadmap laid down by late party patriarch Balasaheb Thackeray. As Maharashtra braces for the legislative council elections, the structural integrity of the ruling alliance is under severe scrutiny.

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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