- Over the last few years, the entire country is witness to the political gamesmanship played out by the two main protagonists identified with contrasting ideologies viz. the secular and the communal, represented by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress, respectively. As you are aware, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra was formed as the post-poll alliance between the Shiv Sena, the NCP, and Congress edging out the single largest party, the BJP. Most importantly, the Shiv Sena breaking away from the decade-long alliance with the Hindutva ideology of the BJP proved to be a decisive game-changer. Forced to sit in the opposition, the BJP since then was discreetly working underground for an ideal opportunity to break the MVA alliance.
PC: Gaurav Pardeshi
- We all know how the BJP think tank and behind-the-scenes maneuvering successfully ensured the MVA government fell aside by engineering defection in the Shiv Sena legislature party ranks. After the change in guard, the political drama unfurling at breakneck speed in Maharashtra has panned out in different directions with both factions of the Shiv Sena fighting for existence/survival, as the case may be. Presently, the matter is in the Supreme Court for adjudication deciding the eventual fate of the factions. Against this extremely uncertain situation, Maharashtra cabinet expansion took place after six weeks of negotiations last week. Unsurprisingly, the BJP has garnered key portfolios on expected lines.
- Though nine ministers from both sides were sworn in, plum portfolios have gone to BJP, in line with its strength in the legislative assembly and council. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, widely considered the architect of the latest political churning, is emerging as a super-powerful deputy CM, with home, finance, and other key portfolios like housing and water resources vested in him. On the other hand, the 40-MLA Eknath Shinde faction can console itself that a certain equilibrium continues as most of the BJP’s portfolios were handled by NCP and Congress in the MVA government. But the reality is that continuance in office has come at the cost of a weakened, divided Shiv Sena. Of course, there will be some discontent even in BJP as well.
PC: PKB News
- Why? Because most ministers have secured less hefty portfolios compared to their 2014-19 stint. But the political circumstances suddenly changing in BJP’s favor required such sacrifices too. Now, how the emerging situation plays out will be seen first in civic polls in nearly all the big cities of Maharashtra including Mumbai. And if results don’t yield a rich dividend, Shinde Sena cadres could pose some tough questions for the CM. Meanwhile, MVA is in limbo with an outmaneuvered Sharad Pawar and the Thackerays desperately trying to save their respective parties. The less said the better about Congress. With Bihar delivering an unexpected turn, the BJP will be watching with bated breath how Maharashtra’s political experiments will unfold. For what is at stake is the BJP’s national ambitions leading up to the general elections in 2024.
