Maharashtra’s CM Shuffle: Shinde’s Dilemma, BJP’s Dominance, and Political Saga of Deputy Roles

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 2nd Dec. In the aftermath of Maharashtra’s state election results, where the BJP achieved an unprecedented victory with 132 seats out of 288, political developments suggest a reshuffling in the leadership dynamics. Outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s apparent unease was visible after a Delhi meeting with Mahayuti leaders on Thursday, followed by his sudden departure for his native village in Satara on Friday. While the Shinde-led Shiv Sena wanted to retain him as Chief Minister, the BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP’s influence on the formation of the new government indicates that Shinde may not be leading the state government this time.

The BJP’s massive win has made Devendra Fadnavis the frontrunner for the CM role, with both Shinde and Ajit Pawar expected to be appointed as deputy CMs in the BJP-led government. Despite Shinde’s Shiv Sena securing 57 seats, far behind the BJP, he finds himself in a difficult position. The likely scenario positions Maharashtra under a BJP CM, yet Shinde and Pawar are set to play crucial second-in-command roles, a situation that reflects a complicated landscape of coalition politics in Maharashtra.

This scenario is not new in Maharashtra’s long political history. The state has witnessed several instances where political leaders have had to step down from the top post and later return to more junior roles due to coalition compulsions or political survival strategies.

Historical Context and Precedents:
Political commentator Hemant Desai highlights that the state has always had leaders who, after serving as CM, were relegated to cabinet positions to safeguard their political futures and maintain their hold over regional support. One notable example is that of P.K. Sawant, who served as a caretaker CM in 1963 and later held various ministerial portfolios. Though not a towering figure, his case exemplifies the pragmatism required in Maharashtra’s politics, where power is often recalibrated to ensure political survival.

Another example is Shankarrao Chavan, who, after losing popularity in the aftermath of the Emergency, had to accept a cabinet position under Sharad Pawar’s leadership in 1978, despite having been CM just a few years earlier. Similarly, figures like Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar, Narayan Rane, and Ashok Chavan have seen their political fortunes fluctuate, often taking on smaller roles to accommodate party alliances or internal party dynamics.

Devendra Fadnavis: A Political Survivor
Devendra Fadnavis, a key BJP leader, has had his own share of political twists. His tenure as CM from 2014 to 2019 was marked by stability, but he is also known for his brief stint in 2019, when he resigned after a 72-hour government. Fadnavis has shown remarkable resilience, especially after his reappointment as deputy CM following Shinde’s rebellion in 2022. Despite this history of back-and-forth leadership roles, Fadnavis remains a dominant figure in Maharashtra politics, leveraging both BJP’s national influence and his own political acumen.

Shinde’s Dilemma: Political Compromises and Future Prospects
For Shinde, the ongoing negotiations reveal a deep political dilemma. Despite his leadership of the Shiv Sena faction that has aligned with the BJP, his role as deputy CM, if confirmed, will mark a significant step down. Yet, such compromises are common in Maharashtra’s coalition politics, where larger political parties dictate terms. Shinde’s leadership could remain crucial for the Shiv Sena’s future, but the question remains whether his ambitions will be satisfied in a secondary role or if he will push for a reevaluation of the power-sharing arrangement in the coming months.

In the larger picture, the unfolding of Mahayuti 2.0 in Maharashtra marks the continuation of a long-standing trend of coalition politics, where factionalism and survival often dictate who takes the reins and who plays the supporting role. While the BJP’s dominance is undeniable, Shinde’s political maneuvering and the evolving dynamics with Ajit Pawar’s NCP will define the future course of Maharashtra’s governance. As the political theatre continues to unfold, the outcome of this leadership shuffle will have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape.