The political landscape of Maharashtra was transformed following the rebellion in the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The conflict over which faction represents the real party even reached the Election Commission. The verdict favored the faction led by Eknath Shinde. On the NCP front, Ajit Pawar emerged victorious.
Uddhav Thackeray had to form a new party after losing the claim to his father's original creation. Sharad Pawar also established a new party. The debate over which is the real party continued, with each faction proclaiming themselves as the true representative. What is the public's perception in this battle?
Who is Winning Public Perception in the Real-vs-Fake Shiv Sena Battle?
Uddhav Thackeray claims his party, Shiv Sena (UBT), is the true Shiv Sena, while the name and symbol are with Shinde's faction. Shinde has also claimed authenticity. Uddhav's camp has accused Shinde of betrayal in public forums. On the other hand, Shinde's faction portrays itself as the true heirs of Balasaheb's legacy. Uddhav has been calling for a people's mandate after losing the battle in the Election Commission.
Source: aajtak
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Uddhav's party won more seats than Shinde's Shiv Sena, but the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections are considered crucial. The question remains: who is winning the perception battle in the real-vs-fake Shiv Sena? According to the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation Survey, the trend seems favorable for the Shinde faction.
Source: aajtak
The survey indicates that while 25 percent of people are satisfied with the government's performance, 35 percent are satisfied with Chief Minister Shinde's work. Around 34 percent are somewhat satisfied with the government's work, but this figure drops to 31 percent when it comes to the Chief Minister. The number of people dissatisfied with the Chief Minister's work is also lower compared to the government—28 percent dissatisfaction for Shinde versus 34 percent for the government. Shinde's rising approval ratings point to him outperforming Uddhav in the perception battle.
What Do Experts Say?
Senior journalist Ashutosh commented that Eknath Shinde is receiving approval ratings, negating the betrayal narrative. If Shinde's popularity as a Chief Minister is rising, it could be worrying for the BJP and for Devendra Fadnavis. Whether the BJP will project Shinde or Fadnavis as their face in the elections remains uncertain.
Sanjay Nirupam, spokesperson for Shinde's party, stated that the people of Maharashtra have evaluated both the former and current Chief Ministers. While Uddhav Thackeray communicated via Facebook, Eknath Shinde engages face-to-face with the public. The people have endorsed Shinde's approach.
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On the question of Uddhav's party winning more seats than Shinde's Shiv Sena in the Lok Sabha elections, Nirupam pointed out the strike rate. Shiv Sena contested 15 seats and won seven, whereas Uddhav's party contested 21-22 seats and won nine. He acknowledged that Thackeray has his own voter base. Nirupam claimed that under Shinde's leadership, the Maha Yuti alliance will win the Maharashtra elections and form the next government.
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Sharad Pawar's Faction Outshined Ajit's In Recent Elections
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Sharad Pawar's faction dominated Ajit's. Ajit Pawar's faction could only win one seat, while Sharad Pawar's faction secured eight. This outcome was seen as a mandate for the real NCP. The Assembly elections will be a battleground not only for the real-vs-fake Shiv Sena but also for the NCP. These elections will determine the political trajectory of Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, Sharad Pawar, and Ajit Pawar, and answer the pivotal question of who will be Maharashtra's king and kingmaker.
