Eknath Shinde’s political trajectory after the recent Maharashtra elections is one of paradoxes: a triumphant contender, yet a ‘defeated’ winner. Despite leading his Shiv Sena faction to a solid 57-seat performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shinde’s hopes of returning to the Chief Minister’s chair are slender, if any as the BJP, which emerged as the dominant force with 132 seats, is resolute in its demand for Devendra Fadnavis to serve as Chief Minister. Shinde’s recent announcement that PM Modi would have the final say over the CM’s post has practically paved the way for Fadnavis to return as CM again.
However, Shinde has balked at the prospect of being relegated to second fiddle. His reluctance to assume a subordinate role stems from a mix of pride and political acumen. Having once been Chief Minister at a critical juncture when the BJP needed to topple the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, Shinde’s acceptance of a second-in-command post at this point would be viewed as a demotion. However, the BJP’s insistence on naming Fadnavis or one of their leaders as Chief Minister seems to be a non-negotiable point, creating a standoff that is unlikely to resolve itself in Shinde’s favour.
What lies ahead for Shinde, then? While the immediate prospect of returning to the CM’s office appears dim, his future is far from bleak. It is likely that he will find a way to retain influence in the government, potentially through an important portfolio or even by taking on a role in the Union Cabinet, should the BJP look to placate him.
Moreover, Shinde’s importance within the Shiv Sena remains clear, especially given his control over a significant portion of the party’s grassroots support. Should he remain a key figure in the government, his leadership in Maharashtra’s ongoing political realignment will shape his future. There is a tantalizing speculation here: In the medium term, Shinde may even position himself as a shadow contender for the CM’s post in the next election, particularly if the BJP’s hegemony over the state starts to erode in an unlikely event.
Whether the Mahayuti can transform its electoral mandate into a stable administration will depend on its leaders’ ability to rise above personal ambitions and focus on the larger task of delivering on their promises to the people.
The stakes are high for all parties involved. The BJP, buoyed by its record-breaking performance, risks appearing overbearing if it ignores the demands of its allies. Conversely, Shinde must navigate the fine line between asserting his party’s relevance and jeopardizing the alliance’s cohesion.
In the days ahead, the real test will be whether Shinde’s potential sidelining becomes a liability for the alliance—or whether his eventual role, however diminished, can be framed as a testament to the coalition’s unity. For now, Maharashtra watches as its triumphant victors grapple with the burdens of victory.
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