The recent controversy over the temporary suspension of the appointments of Nashik and Raigad district guardian ministers underscores a fundamental truth within the Mahayuti coalition: Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena cannot be disregarded, even as the BJP holds the reins of government. Shinde, despite being relegated to the role of Deputy Chief Minister, has proven that his influence and political leverage cannot be easily sidelined by his coalition partners, the BJP led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar’s NCP.
The appointment of BJP’s Girish Mahajan as Nashik’s district guardian minister and NCP’s Aditi Tatkare as Raigad’s guardian minister sparked an uproar from the Shiv Sena, which felt its territorial claims were being overlooked. Though the Maharashtra government ultimately chose to stay the appointments, the episode revealed a crucial undercurrent in the state’s political landscape: despite having been dethroned from the chief minister’s office, Eknath Shinde remains an undeniable power-broker.
The Shiv Sena’s objections were swift and loud. Ministers such as Dadaji Bhuse and Bharat Gogawale vocally opposed the appointments, claiming the posts rightfully belonged to them. Protests erupted in Mahad, Gogawale’s constituency, as his supporters threatened mass resignations. This is not merely a disagreement over ministerial positions but a clash of egos, ambitions and the desire for local influence. With the coalition still trying to find its footing after its massive mandate in the Assembly polls last year, the controversy over these appointments is just one of many flashpoints that could fracture the already delicate partnership.
To soothe fraying tempers, Shinde intervened and prompted Fadnavis to hold the appointments in abeyance while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, further underscoring the former CM’s capacity to influence key decisions within the coalition.
The message being sent out was that while Fadnavis and his team may continue to hold the formal levers of power, Shinde’s faction remains a potent force that the BJP must contend with if it hopes to maintain political stability.
The appointment of district guardian ministers is a classic example of how coalition politics can derail governance. These posts are not just about overseeing development funds but carry significant influence in local political dynamics. In Nashik and Raigad, where the Shiv Sena had long held sway, the BJP and NCP’s appointments were seen as blatant encroachments into territory it viewed as its own. The protests of the Sena leaders are a stark reminder that the Mahayuti is still a work in progress despite its overwhelming mandate.
As Republic Day draws closer, the onus is now on Fadnavis to cut the Gordian Knot of guardian ministerships. For, the inability of the Mahayuti to present a united front in the face of such internal dissent will raise doubts about its ability to govern Maharashtra smoothly.
While Shinde has scored a point by preserving his importance, Maharashtra needs more than just political manoeuvring. It requires governance that prioritizes the needs of its people, not the ambitions of its political players.
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