When the story of Maharashtra’s political landscape is written, one name besides Sharad Pawar that will be prominently featured is Devendra Fadnavis.
Known as “Deva Bhau” among his supporters in Nagpur and across Maharashtra, Fadnavis remains a figure of both admiration and criticism. As Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, he became one of the most beloved leaders, yet in the years since, particularly on social media, he has drawn significant backlash.
Comparisons with political veteran Sharad Pawar are inevitable, but Fadnavis stands out as Maharashtra’s only Chief Minister in recent history to have served a full five-year term. This achievement is attributed to his sharp political acumen, strong connection with the party cadre, and an effective rapport with the state bureaucracy.
After the 2019 elections, despite the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance securing a mandate, political differences prevented them from forming a government. However, since then, not a single MLA has defected from Fadnavis’s side, nor have serious allegations been raised against him, underscoring his resilience and the loyalty he inspires. As Maharashtra gears up for the 2024 elections, all eyes are on Fadnavis, a man the party leadership believes can turn the tide, particularly with RSS backing.
The stakes this time are high for both Fadnavis and his opposition, including Sharad Pawar. With the BJP’s reliance on its allies – Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction – Fadnavis has publicly acknowledged the need for unified efforts to secure power. However, the Pawar factor looms large.
Sharad Pawar has strategically fielded strong candidates, making it clear he is focusing on individual party wins. This move indicates that Ajit Pawar’s faction may not significantly impact Pawar’s influence.
The BJP faces a challenging electoral battle. Direct contests with Congress are anticipated to be tough, given the consolidation of Dalit-Muslim votes and the potential split of Maratha and OBC votes. Fadnavis’s strategy appears focused on drawing votes away from the UBT faction (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena), with support from the Shinde faction and Raj Thackeray’s MNS. If this vote-splitting strategy works, Fadnavis could edge closer to power.
A key challenge for Fadnavis lies in retaining Maratha support, especially amid the rising influence of Manoj Jarange Patil. Patil’s vocal demands for Maratha reservation have garnered widespread backing within the community, presenting a roadblock for Fadnavis. While Fadnavis has advocated for Maratha reservation, legal hurdles have prevented progress, and he now faces criticism from Patil and others.
For Fadnavis, the elections are nothing short of an agnipariksha (trial by fire), as he navigates alliances, community expectations, and fierce competition.
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