Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Will Devendra Fadnavis reclaim Chief Minister’s seat?

PTC Web Desk: The political landscape in Maharashtra has witnessed seismic shifts, with the recent electoral outcome raising critical questions about the future leadership of the Mahayuti alliance. As the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)-NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) alliance consolidates its position, the debate intensifies over whether Devendra Fadnavis will reclaim the Chief Minister’s post.

Shinde's 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' a gamechanger

One of the pivotal elements of the Mahayuti's success seems to be Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's flagship "Ladki Bahin Yojana". This scheme has been lauded for significantly swaying women voters towards the alliance. It stood out in stark contrast to the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) promises of financial benefits if they were voted to power.

The scheme's popularity has solidified Shinde’s position as a leader who can deliver impactful governance. However, the question remains whether this alone will be enough to maintain his hold on the Chief Minister's seat as internal discussions within the alliance grow louder.

The critical question now is whether Shinde would be willing to relinquish the Chief Minister's post if the BJP insists on Fadnavis taking over. Photo: Social Media

Fadnavis: The BJP’s trusted face

Devendra Fadnavis, a seasoned leader and a two-time Chief Minister, has been a central figure in Maharashtra politics. Fadnavis served as the Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and later accepted the role of Deputy Chief Minister under Shinde after the BJP orchestrated a coup that toppled the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government.

Despite being in a subordinate position, Fadnavis continued to wield significant influence within the alliance. His decision to allow Shinde to take the top post was seen as a strategic move to stabilise the coalition. Later, in another significant development, Fadnavis played a key role in accommodating Ajit Pawar as the second Deputy Chief Minister when the NCP splintered and joined the Mahayuti.

The call for Fadnavis as CM grows

The resounding success of the BJP in the latest polls has reignited calls for Fadnavis to return as Chief Minister. Prominent voices on social media and political analysts alike have pointed out his leadership skills and mass appeal. Aadit Kapadia, a noted commentator, stated on X, “If BJP gets 85 , Devendra Fadnavis will be and should be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra... I don’t think there should be any doubt that he is headed for a landslide.”

Similarly, another user,  remarked, “Devendra Fadnavis, who was not an airdropped novice, who did not have sugar daddies in Delhi, is finally back as CM of Maharashtra. That’s a real politician.” 

However, the decision is not straightforward. The Mahayuti alliance, a coalition of three major political forces, relies heavily on maintaining a delicate balance among its constituents. Shinde, who rose to power after breaking away from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, has successfully positioned himself as a grassroots leader with significant voter support. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the alliance’s reach among traditional Shiv Sena voters.

At the same time, Ajit Pawar, a recent entrant into the Mahayuti fold, commands substantial influence over a section of NCP supporters. Any decision regarding leadership must account for these dynamics to prevent internal discord.

Will Shinde step aside?

The critical question now is whether Shinde would be willing to relinquish the Chief Minister's post if the BJP insists on Fadnavis taking over. While Shinde’s leadership has been appreciated, the BJP's significant seat tally strengthens its position within the alliance. Reports suggest that internal discussions are ongoing, with the BJP’s central leadership expected to play a decisive role in resolving the matter.

For Shinde, stepping down could mean a setback in his political career, but retaining his alliance with the BJP might ensure continued relevance in Maharashtra politics. On the other hand, resisting such a move could strain the alliance, giving the opposition an opportunity to exploit any visible cracks.

A tightrope walk for BJP

For the BJP, the challenge lies in navigating this complex situation without alienating its partners. While Fadnavis’ popularity and administrative acumen make him an ideal candidate for the Chief Minister’s role, the party must tread carefully to avoid upsetting the alliance’s equilibrium. The BJP’s central leadership is likely to weigh all options before making a final decision, considering both immediate and long-term implications. come.