2019: A Race for the Chief Minister’s Seat
In 2019, Maharashtra’s political landscape witnessed intense drama as Devendra Fadnavis, the BJP’s young and dynamic leader, aimed to reclaim the Chief Minister’s (CM) seat after serving a successful term from 2014 to 2019. However, the journey back to power proved to be anything but straightforward.
BJP’s 2019 Setback and the Rise of MVA
Despite the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 105 seats in 2019, its pre-poll alliance with Shiv Sena crumbled under Uddhav Thackeray’s demand for the CM post. The BJP’s attempt to forge a government with Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP collapsed within 80 hours, paving the way for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—a coalition of Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress—with Uddhav Thackeray as CM.
Challenges and Downfall of the MVA Government
Uddhav Thackeray’s tenure faced multiple controversies, from the Palghar lynching to the deaths of Sushant Singh Rajput and Umesh Kolhe, alongside growing dissent within Shiv Sena. In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led a dramatic rebellion, causing over 40 Shiv Sena MLAs to defect and support the BJP, bringing down the MVA government.
The Mahayuti Alliance: A New Chapter
Following the MVA’s collapse, a restructured BJP-Shiv Sena alliance under the Mahayuti banner emerged, with Shinde as CM and Fadnavis as Deputy CM. The alliance embraced Hindutva as its core agenda and worked effectively to consolidate power. In 2023, Ajit Pawar and a faction of NCP MLAs joined the Mahayuti, adding another layer of complexity to Maharashtra politics.
2024 General Election Setback
Despite the alliance’s strong foundation, the 2024 general elections dealt a blow to the Mahayuti, with the MVA securing 30 seats compared to the BJP’s 9. This outcome triggered introspection within the BJP, with Fadnavis facing criticism but retaining the backing of central leaders, including PM Modi and Amit Shah.
November 2024 Assembly Elections: A Strategic Victory
Armed with lessons from the general elections, the BJP devised a meticulous seat-sharing strategy for the November 2024 assembly elections: 148 seats for the BJP, 81 for Shinde’s faction, and 59 for Ajit Pawar’s NCP. The campaign, bolstered by RSS mobilization and unifying slogans, resonated with voters. Fadnavis focused on local issues like the Shivaji statue controversy while steering clear of past baggage.
Election Day: BJP’s Triumph
The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats, achieving an extraordinary strike rate and ensuring dominance within the Mahayuti alliance. With Fadnavis poised to reclaim the CM’s seat, the coalition now promises stability for the next five years.
The Road Ahead: Fadnavis at the Helm
As the BJP reclaims its political stronghold, Fadnavis’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Maharashtra’s governance. His comeback not only reinforces his stature as a leader but also aligns with the BJP’s broader vision, including the ambitious “One Nation, One Election” agenda. Maharashtra now embarks on a new chapter under his stewardship.
