The suspense surrounding the appointment of the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues to dominate the state’s political landscape. With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly favoring its leader Devendra Fadnavis for the top post, tensions have risen within the Mahayuti coalition as Shiv Sena members advocate for Eknath Shinde to retain the position. This standoff underscores the intricate power dynamics within the alliance, which delivered a landslide victory in the recent Assembly elections.
The Shiv Sena’s push for Shinde is rooted in the "Bihar model," where the BJP, despite holding more seats in the Bihar Assembly, supported JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister. Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske argued that a similar arrangement should be made in Maharashtra, citing Shinde’s popularity and the success of policies introduced under his leadership, such as the transformative Ladki Bahin Yojana. This scheme, designed to empower women and girls, played a significant role in the coalition’s sweeping victory. However, the BJP has firmly rejected this proposal, with senior party leader Ravishankar Shukla asserting that no such pre-election commitment was made to Shinde and emphasizing that the decision on leadership was always intended to follow the election results.
The Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction, won 230 of the 288 Assembly seats, dealing a significant blow to the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Within this victory, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 57 and the NCP with 41. The MVA, comprised of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, secured only 46 seats, underscoring the Mahayuti’s dominance in the state.
Eknath Shinde, who resigned as Chief Minister at the end of the Assembly’s term, has been asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is sworn in. While Shinde’s leadership remains a contentious issue, the BJP’s central leadership has adopted a cautious approach, delaying the announcement of a Chief Ministerial candidate. Party insiders reveal that discussions are focused on ensuring a balanced distribution of ministerial portfolios and key positions, such as district guardian ministers, to prevent friction among coalition partners. This deliberate strategy reflects the BJP’s recognition of maintaining harmony within the alliance while asserting its leadership.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction has voiced support for Fadnavis, citing his administrative experience and stature within the BJP. NCP president Sunil Tatkare acknowledged that while Ajit Pawar himself would be a strong candidate for the Chief Minister’s post, "practical limitations" make this unlikely. Tatkare praised the contributions of both Shinde and Pawar in shaping the Mahayuti’s election victory, attributing much of the success to policies that resonated with voters, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas.
The BJP’s reluctance to immediately name a Chief Minister stems from its intent to avoid internal discord. A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, noted that while the party has secured a decisive mandate, its central leadership is keen to strike a careful balance to ensure coalition stability. This approach is especially crucial given the Shiv Sena’s persistent demands for Shinde’s reinstatement and the NCP faction’s acknowledgment of the role their leader Ajit Pawar played in consolidating votes.
Fadnavis, a former Chief Minister who led Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019, remains the most likely candidate due to his proven administrative track record and role as the BJP’s face during the campaign. His leadership is seen as pivotal in securing the coalition’s victory and ensuring effective governance moving forward. However, the Shiv Sena’s insistence on retaining Shinde underscores the complexities of coalition politics, even in a triumphant alliance.
The decision on the Chief Minister’s post is expected in the coming days, with sources suggesting that the BJP’s leadership will ultimately prioritize stability, governance, and the long-term interests of the Mahayuti. Whether this involves reinstating Fadnavis or negotiating a compromise with the Shiv Sena remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly shape Maharashtra’s political trajectory in the years to come.
