The Mahayuti Alliance: A Resounding Victory
The results of the Maharashtra assembly elections were declared on November 23, with the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), winning a whopping 235 out of 288 seats. This is a historic victory for the alliance, and it has given them a strong mandate to govern Maharashtra. However, the massive victory has also resulted in intense speculation about who will be the next chief minister.
The BJP, led by Devendra Fadnavis, emerged as the largest party within the alliance, winning 132 seats. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction secured 57 seats, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction won 41 seats. The outcome has triggered a debate about the rightful leader to take the reins of the state.
The Contest for Chief Ministership
Despite the alliance’s emphatic win, the decision regarding the next chief minister is yet to be finalized. The primary contenders are Eknath Shinde, the incumbent chief minister, and Devendra Fadnavis, who served as Maharashtra’s chief minister from 2014 to 2019. The two leaders represent different factions within the alliance, each having their strengths and loyal supporters.
According to sources, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar are expected to meet Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the leadership issue. While Shinde has the advantage of incumbency and experience, Fadnavis has emerged as a popular leader with significant support from the BJP and the RSS.
RSS’s Support for Devendra Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis is seen as a prominent face of the BJP in Maharashtra and enjoys the trust of the RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP. Fadnavis has a long-standing relationship with the RSS, and this connection has worked in his favor throughout his political career. The RSS reportedly favors Fadnavis as the next chief minister due to his administrative capabilities and the BJP’s strong performance in the assembly elections.
The RSS has always played a crucial role in shaping the BJP’s political strategy, and this time was no different. The Sangh was instrumental in mobilizing support for the BJP in Maharashtra. Following the party’s underwhelming performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the RSS stepped in to support Fadnavis in countering the opposition’s narrative and ensuring a better outcome in the assembly elections.
How the RSS Mobilized Support for the BJP
The RSS’s involvement in the Maharashtra elections was substantial, especially after the BJP’s setback in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in the state, where it won only nine seats compared to 23 in the previous election. The RSS recognized the need for strong leadership in Maharashtra and decided to back Fadnavis, who was considered an able administrator and a visionary leader.
To ensure a favorable outcome, the RSS organized a series of activities across the state. A significant conclave was held in Mumbai, attended by BJP leaders, including Fadnavis. In addition, the RSS convened around 60,000 small meetings throughout Maharashtra to connect with voters and encourage them to support the BJP.
The RSS also collaborated with 65 affiliated organizations to launch a campaign called ‘Sajag Raho’ (Be Vigilant, Be Awake), which aimed to mobilize BJP supporters and counter the opposition’s narrative on key issues such as the caste census and the need to protect the Constitution. These efforts helped the BJP achieve remarkable success in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra.
The Fadnavis Factor
One of the key reasons why the RSS is backing Devendra Fadnavis is his strong track record as chief minister of Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019. During his tenure, Fadnavis focused on improving infrastructure, boosting investment, and enhancing governance in the state. His administrative skills and ability to handle complex situations have earned him the trust of both the RSS and the BJP leadership.
Fadnavis is also known for his ability to connect with people across different sections of society. His proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders has further bolstered his prospects of being chosen as the next chief minister. With the RSS firmly supporting Fadnavis, it is becoming increasingly likely that he will be given the responsibility of leading Maharashtra.
Eknath Shinde’s Chances
Eknath Shinde, the current chief minister of Maharashtra, is also in the race for the top position. Shinde has a strong base of support within the Shiv Sena, and he has played a crucial role in keeping the party together after its split with the Uddhav Thackeray faction. Shinde’s supporters argue that his experience and leadership have been instrumental in the Mahayuti alliance’s success in the assembly elections.
However, Shinde’s prospects have been complicated by the RSS’s backing of Fadnavis. The Sangh’s influence within the BJP is significant, and their support for Fadnavis could make it challenging for Shinde to retain his position as chief minister. It remains to be seen how the negotiations between the alliance partners will unfold and whether a compromise can be reached.
Ajit Pawar’s Role
Ajit Pawar, the leader of the NCP faction that joined the Mahayuti alliance, is another key figure in the ongoing discussions. Pawar, who played a significant role in bringing his faction of the NCP into the alliance, is unlikely to be a contender for the chief minister’s position. However, his support is crucial for either Fadnavis or Shinde to secure the top post.
Pawar’s influence within the alliance cannot be underestimated, and he is expected to play a significant role in the decision-making process. His preference for Fadnavis or Shinde could ultimately tilt the balance in favor of one of the candidates.
The Road Ahead for Maharashtra
The decision on who will be Maharashtra’s next chief minister is expected to be made soon, as the Mahayuti alliance looks to form the new government in the state. The RSS’s backing of Fadnavis has given him an edge over Shinde, but the final decision will depend on negotiations between the alliance partners and the BJP’s central leadership.
The new chief minister will have the responsibility of leading Maharashtra through a crucial period, with the state facing challenges such as economic recovery, infrastructure development, and addressing the needs of various communities. The Mahayuti alliance’s victory reflects the people’s trust in their vision, and the new leadership will need to work hard to fulfill the expectations of the electorate.
