Overworked, Overstretched

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has long been known for his relentless work ethic, but this dedication has come at a cost. Overexertion has taken its toll on Shinde’s health, forcing him to cancel a crucial cabinet meeting before the model code of conduct ahead of the Assembly election comes into effect and prompting doctors to advise complete rest. This is not the first time the CM has been unwell due to his exhausting schedule, but the recent episode underscores a growing concern: Shinde may be pushing himself beyond his limits.

Well before he staged his coup to become CM, Shinde has cultivated ‘a man of action’ persona: during the 2018 Kerala floods, he reached the water-logged state with boxes of medicines and first-aid tools. Since taking office in June 2022, Shinde has been a man in perpetual motion. Immediately after taking oath as Chief Minister, his schedule had been a whirlwind of tours, meetings, and late-night trips to Delhi. This punishing schedule has continued ever since. His supporters point to his hands-on approach, whether visiting flood-hit regions or overseeing relief efforts in landslide-stricken areas, as evidence of a leader who leads from the front. In one moving instance, in July 2023, Shinde did not merely review the situation in Irshalwadi, a village buried by a landslide; he climbed the steep ascent in torrential rain to reach the settlement, directing rescue operations to show solidarity with rescue workers.

 This ‘field-man’ persona has earned him praise, but has also raised concerns about sustainability. Shinde’s determination to be everywhere has left him sleep-deprived, with his public engagements often stretching into the early hours. His insistence on connecting with every constituent, addressing even minor grievances, has endeared him to the public but strained his physical well-being. Even senior figures in Maharashtra’s government have noticed the toll his work habits are taking.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recently admonished his own party workers for extracting too much work from Shinde. Despite this, Shinde continues to take on more than most politicians would dare. He frequently visits disaster-hit areas in person, often stepping into roles that could easily be delegated to local officials. His recent visit to the site of a fire accident in Chembur, for instance, could have been handled by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner, but Shinde chose to lead from the front, underscoring his desire to remain connected with the grassroots. The CM’s gruelling pace has now raised concerns about his ability to continue at such a breakneck speed. While his loyalists argue that this commitment is a testament to his rise from the ranks, it is evident that such a schedule is unsustainable. For all his devotion to the role, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister may need to learn that even the most dedicated leaders require rest.