Desk
Share
The Maharashtra political landscape remains in flux even after the state assembly elections. The latest speculation suggests a possible reconciliation between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP, particularly amid growing tensions between the BJP and its ally, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.
Saamana’s Unexpected Praise for Devendra Fadnavis
The latest buzz stems from an editorial in Saamana, the mouthpiece of Uddhav’s faction, which has unexpectedly praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The editorial commended Fadnavis for his decision to strip ministers of the power to appoint personal secretaries and officers on special duty (OSDs).
At the same time, it launched a scathing attack on Eknath Shinde, accusing him of fostering “fixers and brokers” during his tenure as CM. It also claimed that Shinde had complained to top BJP leadership about Fadnavis. Notably, the editorial also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fight against corruption, further fueling speculation of a shift in alliances.
A Softening Stance Toward BJP?
This is not the first time Uddhav’s camp has spoken positively about Fadnavis. Earlier in January, Saamana had lauded Fadnavis for his visit to Gadchiroli, a Naxal-affected district. This shift in tone is significant because, for years, Uddhav’s faction had blamed Fadnavis for engineering the split in Shiv Sena by supporting Shinde’s rebellion.
Now, with Saamana adopting a softer approach toward BJP while intensifying attacks on Shinde, political observers are wondering if the Thackeray camp is laying the groundwork for a reconciliation with its former ally.
Rift Within the Mahayuti Coalition
While Uddhav’s faction re-evaluates its stance, cracks are appearing in the Mahayuti coalition between the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP.
- Shinde’s Growing Discontent: Reports suggest that Shinde has been unhappy with BJP’s dominance in the alliance, especially after being asked to accept a demotion to deputy CM.
- Power Struggles in Governance: Both Shinde and Ajit Pawar have set up independent project monitoring cells, seen as a challenge to Fadnavis, who already operates a "war room" to oversee key projects.
- Signs of Defiance: Shinde has been avoiding meetings convened by Fadnavis, including crucial discussions about the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik.
- Security Withdrawals: In another power move, Fadnavis’ home department has withdrawn police security for 20 Shiv Sena MLAs who were granted protection after the 2022 party split.
What’s Next for Maharashtra Politics?
The political realignments in Maharashtra are far from settled. As Shinde’s ties with the BJP strain, Uddhav’s faction appears to be extending an olive branch to Fadnavis. Whether this signals a genuine rapprochement or a tactical maneuver remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—Maharashtra’s political dynamics are shifting once again.
