The uneasy partnership between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena group represents a new chapter of tension in Maharashtra’s constantly changing political landscape. The divisions within this coalition are becoming more apparent due to reports of conflict between the two factions.
The Warning Shot: The Disobedience of a Leader
On Friday, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, Eknath Shinde, sent a bold warning to his political rivals. The admonition reminded him of his vital role in the state’s power system, but it also seemed to be intended to secure his place. Shinde resolutely responded to threats on his life, including menacing bomb threats, by saying, “Do not take me lightly.”
This was a covert message to anyone who could be underestimating his impact in the political drama of the state, not just about the physical threats he faced. He went on to remind everyone of his ties to the Shiv Sena’s history by saying, “I am a normal party worker, but I am also a worker of Balasaheb (Thackeray).” In a single sentence, he reminded his detractors of his crucial contribution to toppling the Congress-NCP-backed government of Uddhav Thackeray and assisting in the BJP’s 2022 comeback.
Then, the declaration “I changed the government in 2022” shook Maharashtra’s political corridors. The statement was historically significant. After all, Shinde had planned a mutiny that caused the Shiv Sena to split, giving the BJP the advantage. He was the architect of the system, not just one of its parts.
An Emerging Coalition?
It is now impossible to deny the conflict within the Mahayuti alliance. The latest flashpoint that caused discontent within Shinde’s camp was the removal of security coverage for his MPs, MLAs, and party leaders. The lowering of protection detail infuriated Shinde’s camp, which interpreted this as a sign that the alliance was struggling.
The BJP has downplayed these conflicts on paper, with Ashish Shelar and other politicians saying that the power-sharing agreements are not a source of animosity. Shinde also rejected any notion of a “cold war” between his group and the BJP. But it’s hard to overlook the underlying discontent. According to sources, Shinde has become more outspoken about the conditions of their collaboration since he is still bitter about the deal that forced him to cede the position of Chief Minister to Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP.
This dissatisfaction appears to stem from a number of backdoor decisions that have made Shinde feel marginalized, in addition to the security downgrade. It is evident that the BJP is challenging Shinde’s dominance, as seen by the absence of Shinde from the State Disaster Management Authority and the appointment of important individuals such as guardian ministers for areas that are vital to the state’s future (Raigad, the location of the next Kumbh Mela, for instance). His absence from important Fadnavis-led state government initiatives has only heightened rumors of an impending split.
The Political Chessboard: Using Strategy in the Face of Chaos A political chessboard where alliances formed in the heat of battle can quickly break under duress. is the tension between Shinde and the BJP. The November elections were a landslide for both Shinde and the BJP, with the Sena faction led by Shinde winning 57 seats, the BJP taking 132, and the NCP under Ajit Pawar taking 41. But when the results were announced, the real battle began: who would be in charge?
Even though Shinde played a big part in the BJP-led triumph, the deal that ultimately saw him resign in favor of Fadnavis felt like a premeditated move in the politics of Maharashtra. However, the aftermath of that decision persists today, especially as Shinde‘s group grapples with perceived slights and betrayals within the alliance.
A New Future Instead of a Return to the Past?
Shinde recently alluded to a time when he would need to reevaluate his role and possibly his relationship with the BJP. Although the official narrative upholds the alliance’s strength and the lack of a Cold War, the actual situation on the ground paints a different image. Both Shinde and the BJP will have to negotiate a challenging future as 2024 approaches, one in which the future of Maharashtra will ultimately be determined by individual goals, party allegiances, and the evolving preferences of the state’s voters.