In Maharashtra’s ‘Maratha Moment,’ Sharad Pawar Bets on Loyalty

As the Maratha reservation movement gathers steam, NCP(SP) finds its anchor in a grassroots loyalist.

In Maharashtra’s political landscape, nothing happens by chance, especially when Sharad Pawar is the one making decisions. The recent appointment of Shashikant Shinde as the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) is not just a regular change in leadership. It is a wellthought-out move made with political foresight, careful timing, and social calculations.

Shashikant Shinde’s elevation as NCP(SP) state president highlights a broader trend: all major parties in Maharashtra—the BJP, Congress, and NCP(SP)—have appointed Maratha leaders to head their state units. This reflects the community’s growing political significance amid renewed calls for Maratha reservation. With unerring political instinct Sharad Pawar, with an eye to the ongoing agitation led by Manoj Jarange Patil, chose Shinde, a loyal grassroots Maratha leader from western Maharashtra over other contenders. The move mirrors BJP’s appointment of Ravindra Chavan, another Maratha face, as it seeks to retain support among Maratha voters. Pawar’s choice of Shinde signals both caution and strategy in the shadow of Ajit Pawar’s defection two years back.

There are also whispers in political circles that senior NCP leader Jayant Patil may consider quitting the party, not for his own gains, but to secure a future for his son in Maharashtra politics. With such possibilities in the background, Pawar’s choice of Shashikant Shinde becomes even more significant.

A former minister and MLA from Koregaon, Shinde has served as minister of water conservation in the Congress-NCP government. He belongs to Satara in western Maharashtra, a traditional stronghold for the NCP. A loyalist to Sharad Pawar, Shinde’s reputation is that of a calm, grounded leader who believes in staying connected with workers on the ground. He is not known for flashy politics or high drama. Instead, he is viewed as a dependable party man, someone who will follow the party line without personal ambitions getting in the way. This makes him a safe and smart choice for Pawar, especially at a time when the party is dealing with internal splits and external challenges.

For Shashikant Shinde, the road ahead is not easy. His biggest task is to keep the party together, especially after the Ajit Pawar faction created confusion and defections. The NCP(SP) now has to re-energise its cadre, rebuild its organisation, and send out a strong message that the Sharad Pawar-led faction is here to stay.

One of Shinde’s early moves as state president is to go on a statewide tour. The idea is to connect with local workers, understand their issues, and bring new energy into the party. The focus will be on youth and women, who are likely to play a major role in the upcoming elections.

This outreach is particularly important with local body elections expected soon. These elections will serve as the first real test for Shinde’s leadership. For NCP(SP), it’s a do-or-die situation.

A poor performance could damage its credibility, while a strong showing could revive the party’s image. The ongoing demand for Maratha reservation is reshaping political conversations in Maharashtra. Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of the Maratha agitation, has warned of fresh protests. With the Maratha communityforming a significant chunk of the voter base, all political parties are making strategic moves to maintain their support. By appointing Shinde, Sharad Pawar is not only keeping Maratha sentiments in mind but also countering the BJP’s strategy of showcasing their own Maratha face. In such a situation, a leader like Shinde can serve as a bridge as someone who understands the aspirations of the Maratha youth, connects with rural voters and ensures that the party speaks in one voice.

It is well known that Sharad Pawar values loyalty. Over the years, he has seen many leaders come and go, but those who have stood by him in difficult times are the ones he rewards with responsibility. Shashikant Shinde fits this mould. He may not have the aggressive style of other leaders, but his quiet presence, experience, and consistency make him suitable for the current phase of rebuilding. As a seasoned politician who has seen Maharashtra politics up close, Shinde is expected to maintain the ideological stand of the NCP(SP) while adjusting to the new demands of electoral politics.

Shashikant Shinde’s appointment sends out a clear message that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP is still in the game and is preparing for the next big battle. It is also a reminder that in Maharashtra politics, caste equations, local dynamics, and leadership loyalty all play key roles in shaping decisions.

While the media focus often remains on high-profile leaders like Ajit Pawar or Supriya Sule, it is leaders like Shashikant Shinde who quietly hold the party together during testing times. His success will depend on how quickly he can rebuild trust within the party and revive its public image.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Shinde’s tour across the state, his performance in the local body elections, and how effectively he counters both Ajit Pawar’s NCP and the BJP in their respective strongholds.

For now, Sharad Pawar has made his move. The ball is in Shashikant Shinde’s court. Whether he rises to the occasion or fades into the background will decide the future direction of NCP(SP) in Maharashtra.

(The Writer is a communication professional. Views Personal.)