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Unity Imperative

Correspondent

Updated: Jan 17

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Mahayuti legislators in Mumbai was more than a standard call to governance, being a calculated reminder of the alliance’s responsibility to its overwhelming mandate in Maharashtra. Speaking to representatives of the BJP, the Shiv Sena and the NCP, Modi underscored the virtues of unity, grassroots engagement and a cohesive governance approach. His message, which comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions within the Mahayuti triggered by the Beed sarpanch murder case, sought to refocus the alliance on its electoral promise of stability and effective leadership.


The Mahayuti alliance’s triumph in last year’s assembly polls, winning 230 out of 288 seats, came with a mandate that promised transformation. However, internal rifts and public controversies have recently cast shadows over its performance. Modi’s pointed remarks reflect the urgency of addressing these challenges before they fester into crises.


His blueprint for action revolved around the core principles of accessibility, collaboration and community trust whilst pointedly urging MLAs to transcend partisan divides.


A central theme of the meeting was the imperative for unity within the alliance. The Prime Minister’s call for MLAs to collaborate across party lines, break bread together and resist factionalism was a direct response to the strains evident in recent weeks. The murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, which has reignited Maratha-OBC tensions in the state, exemplifies the political landmines threatening the alliance’s stability.

The prime suspect in Deshmukh’s murder is Walmik Karad, a close associate of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who belongs to the Vanjari OBC community. The incident has sparked protests from Maratha leaders like BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, who has demanded Munde’s resignation while OBC stalwart Chhagan Bhujbal from the NCP has defended Munde, highlighting the fault lines within the alliance.


This conundrum underscores the precariousness of managing caste dynamics in Maharashtra where identity politics frequently dictates the political narrative. For Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the murder is turning out to be a litmus test of his ability to navigate competing pressures within the coalition while maintaining public confidence.


Modi’s insistence on internal cohesion was not merely rhetorical. He directly appealed to MLAs to eschew the blame game and avoid unnecessary criticism of their partners. The message was clear: the strength of the Mahayuti lies in its unity, and disunity risks squandering its mandate. With Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar already in the crosshairs due to his associate’s involvement, the controversy has the potential to snowball into a larger political headache if not managed deftly.


The Prime Minister’s address also carried a warning that the Mahayuti cannot afford to be complacent. The overwhelming victory of the Assembly polls must be a springboard for governance excellence, not an excuse for infighting or inertia. Modi’s message was a wake-up call—a reminder that governance, like politics, is ultimately about trust and trust, once lost, is hard to regain.

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