The political drama in Maharashtra is in full swing as the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leadership faces the heat amid speculations around a possible reshuffle in the power structure of the state.
The BJP’s gratitude towards Shinde coupled with aggressive accusations by the Congress on coercive fire left the way ahead for politics in the state uncertain.
The BJP’s ambivalence raises speculations
The BJP has thanked CM Eknath Shinde in some undefined fashion for what he had done for the government. However, that led to the rumblings of speculation of a possible leadership change that analysts suggest might indicate dissatisfaction within the BJP over the management model in place. Also, some BJP insiders claim this was meant as a message to appreciate Shinde’s efforts but only fanned flames of speculation about a reshuffle.
Congress Uneasy with Coercive Politics
Adding to this suspense, postcard-carrying Aaditya Thackeray said that Shinde might be under extreme pressure from the BJP to resign. That statement from Thackeray came just after reports suggested growing resentment among Shiv Sena MLAs loyal to Shinde; some even fear being eclipsed from the scene should the changes take place.
Tensions Mount Within Shiv Sena-BJP Coalition
The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, in the wake of Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, seems to be facing internal hiccups. There are speculations that the Shinde camp is uneasy about the BJP’s preponderance in the coalition. This has reportedly led Shinde to hold emergency meetings to sort out the grievances of party colleagues and assuage his supporters.
Political observers believe that the BJP may be considering a change of guard to improve its position in advance of the forthcoming elections. This, if true, would open the space for reevaluation of alliances and redrawing of the power equations in Maharashtra politics. For Shinde, his sustenance in the leadership chair would depend upon the resolution of any internal dissent and proof of his capacity to run a united government.
What matters ahead is whether the Shinde-led Maharashtra government is stable or whether it has to undergo major changes. With political suspense at hand, everyone’s eyes will be fixed on the next move of the BJP and Shinde’s next step to sail through the storm.
Adding speculation to confusion, BJP’s internal report suggested that the BJP’s recent activities are to assess the public mood and MLA loyalty before making any decisions on the leadership structure in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, CM Shinde assured his MLAs that the alliance is solid and that there are no immediate plans for changes.
Observers have expressed that BJP’s silence on the specifics has only fueled the political drama.
Furthermore, taking a shot across the bow, Congress leader Nana Patole slammed the BJP’s alleged attempts to unseat the state government, claiming it was a betrayal of public trust.
Both parties are now playing the blame game as the political revolving door in Reality Now orbits into uncertain space until BJP plays the next card.
