Munde’s resignation to affect BJP-NCP relations

Mumbai: NCP leader Ajit Pawar was the first to declare support for Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister when it became clear that the BJP will have its Chief minister in the state after the assembly elections. Fadnavis too had showered praise on Pawar while stating at a public interview that his wavelength aligns with that of Ajit Pawar. However, big question is how Dhananjay Munde’s resignation will affect this mutual relationship?

Munde is said to be one of the key persons who brought Fadnavis and Pawar together. He was crucial in gathering support for Ajit Pawar when he first took oath as Deputy Chief Minister along with Fadnavis in 2019. He did that again in 2023 and was duly rewarded for that. However, that doesn’t mean that the BJP-NCP ties are dependent upon him. Praful Patel is said to have good relations with the BJP top brass in Delhi and he would take care of any problems that may arise between the two parties.

The real issue between the two parties is their relations in light of the third partner of the Mahayuti alliance, which is Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde. The problems that his party colleagues have created for the government seem to be far too bigger than what Munde has done. The root cause of them quitting Uddhav Thackeray government in 2022 too is blamed on the then finance minister Ajit Pawar. Pawar is in the same role again and the government is under financial strain once again. This might upset many supporters of the Mahayuti government if austerity measures are enforced again and that may in turn cause problem to the government.

NCP was not confident of the support it will be able to garner when they decided to join the Mahayuti government under Shinde. Their morals are high after the success in assembly and they also seem to be convinced of the BJP’s growing power across the state.