Under Devendra Fadnavis's leadership, the 'Mahayuti' alliance comes back into power in Maharashtra, and the political dynamics appear altered. Ajit Pawar is being embraced by the BJP, overshadowing Eknath Shinde.
The BJP hasn't given Eknath Shinde the Chief Minister's post or portfolios of his choice. Ajit Pawar has seemingly surrendered which is why contention seems to arise only between the BJP and Eknath Shinde.
Ajit Pawar, though previously behind Eknath Shinde in numbers, is now receiving equal, if not more, attention.
In the Maharashtra cabinet, with a maximum of 43 ministers, BJP holds 132 of the 288 assembly seats. Shiv Sena follows with 57 seats, while NCP has secured 41 seats. Ajit Pawar claims a better strike rate, given NCP's significant wins in the coalition.
Eknath Shinde's diminishing influence is evident from his absence in a pivotal meeting in Delhi attended by Devendra Fadnavis and BJP President J.P. Nadda. Curiously, Eknath Shinde wasn't even invited.
Eknath Shinde's Share Has Reached its Limit
On December 11, Fadnavis and Nadda met with Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, amidst speculation over ministry allocations within the Maharashtra government.
Shinde's absence raises eyebrows, with reports stating he wasn't invited. Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar engaged in courtesy meetings in Delhi, further escalating questions over Shinde's absence.
In response to concerns over Shinde's exclusion, Ajit Pawar reassures, 'Rest assured, we are united.'
Rumors suggest Shinde is unhappy over potential departmental distribution. Shinde wanted to retain Home and Revenue departments, but the BJP leadership seems disinclined to accommodate this request. Previously, as Chief Minister, Shinde had Home ministry which Fadnavis (then Deputy CM) managed.
Why is Shinde being so treated? Has BJP's need for him exhausted?
The current scenario suggests so. BJP seemingly believes that Shinde has been adequately rewarded for his contribution.
Shinde had a key role in undermining Uddhav Thackeray's position - a task he accomplished.
It now seems BJP is leveraging Shinde only for residual gains, with an upcoming BMC election being a critical test for Thackeray.
Shinde is bound by constraints, knowing well that persistent demands might prompt BJP to find another 'Eknath Shinde.' Shinde is acutely aware of this balance.
Why is Ajit Pawar Favored by the BJP?
Initial reports suggested BJP would retain 22-23 departments, with slightly fewer given to Shinde than Pawar but the new formula between Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar establishes a 20-10-10 distribution. Under this, BJP takes 20 ministries, with Shinde and Pawar sharing 10 each.
Simply put, Shinde's Shiv Sena and Pawar's NCP will have equal ministers in the Mahayuti government's new formation.
Pawar's increasing attention stems primarily from his open support for BJP before Shinde did.
While Shinde insisted on becoming Chief Minister, Pawar openly announced support for a BJP Chief Minister.
Shinde now reportedly upset over departmental allocations, while Pawar shines at gatherings.
Shinde's task is completed, but Pawar's is ongoing. BJP relies on Shinde for consolidating Shiv Sena's votebank, listening to Shinde's needs only to that extent.
Pawar, aiming to decimate NCP-Congress, has yet to finish his plan. Pawar should not be overly complacent; his importance endures only as long as his utility.
A day may come when Pawar too finds himself in the same spot as Shinde.
