Devendra Fadnavis did so in 2022. Eknath Shinde reciprocated in 2024.
Since the election results were declared in the last week of November, much of the focus has been on who would lead Maharashtra as Chief Minister. But this debate has obscured a rare and powerful display of servant leadership: a leadership style in which the needs of the people and the cause they serve are prioritized above personal aspirations. By stepping aside from his claim to the Chief Minister’s chair, Eknath Shinde exemplified this approach. His willingness to serve as deputy chief minister underscores that advancing the Mahayuti alliance’s vision and mission takes precedence over his personal interests.
This act of humility has only strengthened his stature. Today, Shinde commands greater respect—not merely because his selflessness will be noted by the National Democratic Alliance but because he has demonstrated that politics can rise above the pettiness of personal gain. In doing so, he has earned the trust of voters and stakeholders alike. Fadnavis, who made a similar sacrifice in 2022, displayed the same grace.
Such gestures stand in stark contrast to other instances where politicians have abandoned long-standing alliances or principles in pursuit of power, only to lose public confidence. Maharashtra now offers a compelling counterexample: a model of cooperative and selfless governance that could inspire rest of country.
The world, too, could benefit from this kind of leadership. It calls for leaders who see themselves as servants of the people—leaders rooted in self-sacrifice and dedicated to advancing the greater good. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi often proclaims, he is Pradhan Sevak—the prime servant—of the nation. This ethos of servant leadership has the potential to transform governance by shifting focus away from personal aggrandizement and toward the needs of the people.
Consider the example of PRAGATI, a digital platform that has fast-tracked over 340 long-delayed infrastructure projects worth $205 billion under Mr. Modi’s leadership. Such initiatives demonstrate how a leader’s commitment to service can deliver tangible benefits, even in a complex and bureaucratic system.
The revival of this spirit of service in contemporary leadership could be a gamechanger for India, unlocking the country’s vast potential and inspiring innovative solutions to entrenched problems.
This spirit of servant leadership has implications far beyond politics. It fosters a governance model that prioritizes collaboration over conflict and inclusivity over division. Leaders with such a mindset are better positioned to navigate crises, whether economic, social, or environmental. In a world where polarization often dictates political strategy, example of unity within the Mahayuti alliance is a refreshing departure.
Yet, the challenge lies in sustaining this momentum. Political dynamics are often fickle, and the sincerity of such sacrifices will be tested by the outcomes they deliver. For the Mahayuti, maintaining focus on its manifesto promises will be critical. Success here could set a new standard for coalition politics in India—one where service, not self-interest, becomes the hallmark of leadership.
India’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage has long produced leaders of remarkable vision and integrity. It is time for the world to take note. The solutions to many of its pressing problems lie in transcending narrow self-interest—a principle India embodies in its leadership ethos. As the Kaivalya Upanishad observes, “na karmana na prajaya tyage naika amritatvamanasuh”—sacrifice alone confers immortality. In the public imagination, both Fadnavis and Shinde, who relinquished their rightful claims at critical moments, will be remembered for their selflessness. This bodes well for Maharashtra and its people.
(The author is a professor based in London. Views personal.)
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