Recent political developments in Maharashtra have intensified with growing tensions between the BJP, Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction. Several sources indicate that both Shinde and Ajit Pawar are increasingly seen as political burdens for the BJP as the alliance prepares for the upcoming state elections. Amid speculation of internal rifts, the BJP appears to be reconsidering its position in the alliance.
Reports suggest that the BJP’s initial enthusiasm for Ajit Pawar’s inclusion into the coalition has waned, as he has not delivered the expected political dividends. Ajit Pawar, who split from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, joined hands with the BJP and was made the Deputy Chief Minister in the Shinde-led government. However, the move has not been as beneficial as anticipated, particularly after the NCP’s underperformance in the Lok Sabha elections where it secured only one seat.
On the other hand, Eknath Shinde, who became Chief Minister after rebelling against the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, also faces political instability. Opposition leaders like Sanjay Raut from the Uddhav faction have openly criticized the BJP for trying to manipulate the political landscape in Maharashtra by supporting leaders like Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Raut even predicted that Shinde and 16 of his MLAs may soon be disqualified due to legal challenges
The BJP’s strategy to form alliances with factions of regional parties, in this case, Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, has led to internal dissatisfaction. Critics within the BJP have pointed out that these alliances have become a liability ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections. As the Mahayuti (grand alliance) struggles to maintain cohesion, the political future of both Shinde and Ajit Pawar remains uncertain.
Ajit Pawar’s influence within the alliance is particularly concerning for the BJP. His political clout is being questioned, especially after the split in his party and his failure to secure a significant number of Lok Sabha seats. Furthermore, opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray have repeatedly highlighted Ajit Pawar’s previous allegations of corruption, which have tarnished his credibility and created unease within the BJP-led coalition(India Today).
The situation for Shinde is equally precarious. While he holds the chief ministerial post, his position is far from secure. Internal rumblings suggest that the BJP might be looking to distance itself from Shinde as his influence within Maharashtra’s political scene appears to be diminishing. Some political observers believe the BJP is looking for more stable and electorally beneficial alliances as the elections draw closer. As these internal conflicts escalate, the BJP must balance the risks of continuing with Shinde and Ajit Pawar or seeking new political partners(Mid-day).
This political uncertainty could impact the BJP’s electoral strategy in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders claiming that the party’s current approach could backfire. With allegations of corruption, political disunity, and a lack of public support, both Shinde and Ajit Pawar may prove to be more of a burden than an asset for the BJP in the long run.
As the 2024 state elections approach, it remains to be seen how the BJP will handle these internal challenges. Will they continue to back Shinde and Ajit Pawar, or will they reconsider their alliances in pursuit of a more stable political future? The coming months will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Maharashtra.
