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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 4:59:11 pm

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as...

MLC polls expose cracks in Mahayuti, MVA

AI Generated Image Mumbai: The upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections for the graduate and teacher constituencies have laid bare the deep-seated fissures within both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. In a significant development that could have far-reaching political implications, multiple rebel candidates, including prominent figures with strong party affiliations, have defied alliance dictates to file their nominations as independents, setting the stage for high-stakes, multi-cornered contests. Mahayuti Turmoil The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is grappling with rebellion on multiple fronts. In the critical Nagpur Graduates constituency, a traditional BJP stronghold, former BJP MLC and Nagpur Mayor Anil Sole has thrown a spanner in the works by filing his nomination as an independent candidate. This move directly challenges the official BJP candidate, Sudhakar Kohale. While the BJP leadership, including state president Ravindra Chavan, has attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that Sole has been "pacified," the former MLC's actions tell a different story. Sole's decision to contest independently is particularly significant given his long-standing association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his previous stint as a BJP MLC from the very same constituency. The situation is equally complicated in the Amravati Teachers constituency. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has officially fielded Kiran Sarnaik. However, adding to the confusion, Sangita Shinde, sister of BJP MP Anil Bonde, has also entered the fray, potentially splitting the Mahayuti vote. The opposition MVA is also facing its share of internal discord here. While the Congress has nominated Aditi Pohre, daughter of former minister Harshvardhan Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Dattatray Lahane. The presence of numerous candidates representing various teachers' organizations further complicates the electoral arithmetic in this constituency. Opposition Rebellion The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Graduates constituency has witnessed another surprise development. While the NCP's sitting MLC, Satish Chavan, was widely considered the frontrunner, the BJP's M.K. Deshmukh has unexpectedly filed his nomination as a rebel candidate, catching the Mahayuti leadership completely off guard. The MVA, too, is facing rebellion in this constituency. Although the seat was officially allocated to the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Dilip Ghuge has also filed his nomination, causing significant heartburn within the opposition alliance. The Pune constituencies present a microcosm of the larger alliance troubles. In the Pune Graduates constituency, the BJP has fielded Dr. Smita Jadhav, the daughter-in-law of Pratap Singh Jadhav, owner of the 'Pudhari' news group and niece of Congress leader Satej Patil. Adding intrigue to this contest is the fact that she is contesting against Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav, the official candidate of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). However, the real drama is unfolding in the Pune Teachers constituency. The BJP's official candidate, Koustubh Gawde, is facing a formidable challenge from Mangesh Chiwate, a close confidant of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Chiwate, a former journalist who handled the CM's medical aid cell while Shinde was the CM, has claimed that his party leadership has provided him with the crucial 'AB' form, signaling official backing. Commenting on the chaotic situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that seat-sharing talks remained inconclusive in some areas but expressed hope that the alliance partners would eventually reach an agreement. The true picture of the electoral battlefield will only emerge after Friday, October 9th, the last date for the withdrawal of nominations. Until then, both alliances will be working overtime to contain the rebellions and present a united front, but the deep cracks exposed by these developments suggest that the upcoming MLC elections will be fiercely contested and highly unpredictable.

Great Expectations

Correspondent
Dec 5, 2024
2 min read

The Mahayuti coalition’s resounding victory in Maharashtra’s Assembly elections, securing nearly 240 of the 288 seats, marks a momentous comeback in the state’s political history. But with great victories come even greater expectations. The people of Maharashtra now demand not just governance but transformative leadership.


The alliance effectively unified disparate voter bases—OBCs, Marathas, and women—through a targeted narrative of welfare and development. Schemes like the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, offering Rs. 1,500 monthly assistance to women, resonated deeply, especially among the economically disadvantaged, creating a groundswell of support. Moreover, the coalition’s focus on rural infrastructure, exemplified by the construction of over 45,000 agricultural roads, showcased a commitment to improving farmer livelihoods. These efforts were bolstered by significant budgetary allocations to infrastructure.


While the electoral victory is monumental, governing a state as diverse and complex as Maharashtra demands more than campaign promises. Expectations are high across key areas like employment and social welfare. The promise of 2.5 million new jobs statewide and monthly stipends for vocational students has created hope among the youth. The government must now ensure that these pledges translate into measurable outcomes, particularly as economic challenges loom, including inflation and uneven industrial growth.


The coalition’s pledge to reduce electricity bills by 30 percent and expand renewable energy sources represents an ambitious agenda. The recent 6,600 MW power deal with Adani Power and Adani Green Energy underscores this commitment, but the government must ensure that such large-scale agreements translate into tangible relief for consumers. Rural voters will scrutinise the government’s ability to deliver long-term benefits. Beyond road construction, farmers need better access to markets, price stabilisation mechanisms and water resource management. The coalition’s focus on women and socially disadvantaged groups through increased wages for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and the continuation of the Maratha Reservation Act has set high expectations.


Devendra Fadnavis, with his deft political manoeuvring, remains the coalition’s cornerstone. Eknath Shinde has emerged as the undisputed leader of the Shiv Sena, while Ajit Pawar’s performance in Baramati has solidified his status as a rival to his uncle, Sharad Pawar. The leadership trio must now navigate the intricate dynamics within the alliance to maintain unity and focus on governance. Maharashtra’s electorate has handed the Mahayuti an unprecedented mandate. Delivering on promises, while setting the state on a path of sustainable growth, will determine whether this victory becomes a historical milestone or a footnote. Maharashtra has spoken decisively. Now, it is the new government’s turn to prove that its promises were not mere election rhetoric but a blueprint for a brighter future.

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