The BJP, with 132 seats and a 90% strike rate registered their best ever performance in the Maharashtra elections 2024. Their tally is within striking distance of an absolute majority. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena won 57 and Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 41 seats.
Top leaders of the Mahayuti are in a close huddle to decide on the state’s top post. while Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP is the frontrunner, sources tell Network18 that the Shiv Sena is pitching for Eknath Shinde to retain the CM’s post.
The Shiv Sena unanimously elected Eknath Shinde as its legislative party leader. The party says that poll trends were in favour of the Mahayuti because the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde’s flagship initiative for women.
Rasheed Kidwai, Visiting Fellow, ORF, Senior Journalist anticipates a possible compromise. He suggests, “One of them will become the CM, and the other may join the Union Cabinet. The BJP won’t want to be seen as a ‘big brother’ ahead of upcoming municipal polls.”
Kidwai highlighted the internal challenges faced by the opposition, particularly the Congress, which is grappling with strategic uncertainties.
He pointed out that the INDIA Alliance’s narrative is weakening, especially when it raises concerns about EVMs, as these claims appear unconvincing. While the Congress and INDIA Alliance have seen some success in states like Jharkhand, their messaging on issues like EVMs seems poorly timed and ineffective.
Looking ahead, the Congress faces a daunting future, with upcoming elections in Delhi where it holds little influence, further complicating its position within the alliance.
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Aditi Phadnis, Political Editor, Business Standard believes the election results leave Shinde with limited options. “If BJP had got less than 100 seats, Shinde would’ve stuck to his stand. The numbers don’t permit Shinde to go to the other side,” she remarked.
Phadnis emphasised that Maharashtra faces significant financial challenges in the coming fiscal year, with an estimated ₹35,000 crore required to cover pre-election expenditures. Additionally, the state must address the issue of industries relocating to other regions, necessitating a thorough reassessment of growth strategies.
While welfare initiatives like allowances for women may not be classified as freebies, the period of extensive giveaways has ended. Moving forward, Maharashtra will need to focus on making tough decisions and implementing prudent governance.
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