As the curtains fall on 2024, India’s political theater has been nothing short of dramatic, with Maharashtra essaying a leading role. In a state where politics and Bollywood have long been intertwined, it’s fitting that the political landscape this year mirrors the themes of popular Bollywood songs—songs that capture both the hope and despair that have shaped the political journey. From setbacks to comebacks, the events of this year have written their own political script, with key players in Maharashtra facing trials that reflect the highs and lows of the cinematic world.
Struggling Patriarch
Once considered the undisputed patriarch of Maharashtra politics, Sharad Pawar’s political fortunes took a hit in 2024. His efforts in the Lok Sabha elections yielded only modest success, much like the Bollywood tune “Thoda Hai, Thode Ki Zarurat Hai,” encapsulating his party’s constrained growth. The state elections were even harsher, with his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) struggling, particularly in the sugar belt. Winning only 10 out of 86 seats, Pawar’s once-solid political base now seems fractured, and his fortunes have clearly fallen from the highs of the past.
Pawar’s challenge now is to revive his party’s fortunes in the upcoming corporation and local self-government elections. These elections will test his ability to rally the party’s rank and file and revive its relevance. If anyone has the political acumen to stage a comeback, it is Pawar. But time is running out, and the old guard must act swiftly to turn the tide.
The ‘Wazir’
In stark contrast to Pawar’s faltering year, Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP’s stalwart, embraced his role as the political ‘Wazir’ of Maharashtra. The opening act of 2024 saw him facing setbacks, much like the lyrics of “Ek Sawaal Ke Sau Jawab Hai, Sau Sawaal Ka Ek Hisaab Hai.” Many had written him off after the Lok Sabha elections, but Fadnavis’s quiet perseverance, combined with relentless campaigning, helped him rebuild the BJP’s fortunes and secure a foothold for the party.
Despite his success, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Coalition governance in Maharashtra is always a tricky endeavour. Yet, Fadnavis’s political deftness has always been his trump card, and his ability to manage his party’s internal dynamics will be crucial as he navigates the upcoming corporation and local self-government elections.
Political ‘Bahubali’
Ajit Pawar, long considered a second-in-command to his uncle Sharad Pawar, finally came into his own path as the ‘Bahubali’ of Maharashtra politics. The dramatic splitting of his uncle’s party in July 2023, culminating in his alliance with the BJP, resembled a political Mahabharata, with familial rifts playing out in the public eye. His decision to field his wife against cousin Supriya Sule and openly challenge his nephew, Yugendra is testament to his boldness. However, Ajit Pawar has not allowed the drama to distract from his political strategy.
Against all odds, Ajit managed to secure 41 out of 59 seats, a far cry from the one-seat debacle in the Lok Sabha elections. His rise, however, is not without challenges. Allegations surrounding the activities of his associates could taint his image, and maintaining control over the sugar belt will be crucial for his success in the coming elections.
Maharashtra’s ‘Abhimanyu’
Eknath Shinde’s political journey in 2024 mirrors the tragic tale of Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata. While Shinde has successfully managed to break into the political ‘chakravyuh’ by aligning with the BJP, he has found himself entangled in a series of complex political manoeuvres that seem to offer no easy escape. Despite being granted a prominent portfolio, Shinde’s inability to secure the Home Ministry has left him struggling for power within his own coalition.
Shinde’s immediate task is to retain his electoral victories in the upcoming corporation and local elections, particularly the fiercely contested battle for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Victory here could solidify his place at the top, while failure could leave him scrambling to maintain his political relevance.
The Underdog
For Uddhav Thackeray, 2024 has been nothing short of a year of political anguish. Despite doing well in the Lok Sabha, Thackeray’s fortunes swiftly plummeted in the Assembly polls. His incessant accusations of “traitor” against Shinde fell on deaf ears.
In the wake of these setbacks, Thackeray’s resurgence lies in winning the BMC election. However, the Sena (UBT)’s future hinges on Uddhav’s ability to rebuild morale and present a unified front. In many ways, Thackeray’s situation reflects the lines of a Vasant Prabhu composition: “Asa Mi Kay Gunha Kela, Jaage Hota Ghaw Antari.” The question is whether Thackeray can reinvigorate his party or is his decline inevitable.
In Maharashtra, as in Bollywood, the storylines are never predictable. Political fortunes shift with the passing winds, and leaders rise and fall with the same dramatic flair seen in films. For some, the future is bright, while for others, the road ahead is paved with uncertainty. What remains clear is that the political drama of Maharashtra is far from over. Much like a Bollywood hit, its twists and turns will continue to keep us on the edge of our seats.
(The author is a political observer. Views personal.)
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