Mahayuti secures Maharashtra, but chief minister’s chair sparks power struggle

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, secured a commanding victory.

In the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 232 of the 288 seats. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, reinforcing its dominant position in the state. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, suffered a crushing defeat, managing only 49 seats.

In a post-victory press briefing, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, hailed the alliance’s women-centric Ladki Bahin Yojana as the “game changer” for their sweeping win. However, the jubilant mood soon gave way to tension as a tussle erupted over who would occupy the chief minister’s chair.

BJP’S CLAIM TO CHIEF MINISTER POST

As the largest party in the alliance, the BJP has staked a strong claim to the Chief Minister’s post, citing its significant electoral performance. The party achieved an 89% strike rate, surpassing its 2014 tally, and sees the mandate as a signal for leadership.

A BJP-led government would also align with the party’s long-term strategy to prepare for the 2029 elections by bolstering cadre morale and ensuring firm administrative control. Sources indicate that the BJP leadership favours Devendra Fadnavis, whose governance credentials and experience could provide stability to the coalition.

After being out of power for five years and facing setbacks from the 2019 political developments, BJP cadres were left demoralised. Securing the Chief Minister’s position is seen as crucial to reinvigorating the party’s base.

SHINDE’S FIGHT TO RETAIN CHIEF MINISTER POST
Eknath Shinde, who led the Mahayuti government into the elections, sees the victory as an endorsement of his leadership. Shinde has argued that retaining the Chief Minister’s position is essential for consolidating his hold over Shiv Sena MLAs and ensuring policy continuity, particularly with flagship schemes like Ladli Bahin Yojana.

Shinde has also positioned himself as a Maratha leader, appealing to the community that forms a significant vote bank. Losing the Chief Minister’s post could undermine his authority and destabilise the Shiv Sena faction he leads.

Retaining the Chief Minister’s position strengthens internal unity, streamlines MLA management, and bolsters efforts to counter opposition forces such as the UBT.

AJIT PAWAR’S SUPPORT FOR A BJP CHIEF MINISTER
Amid the tussle, Ajit Pawar has emerged as a surprising supporter of the BJP’s claim. His backing is reportedly driven by a desire for smoother coordination within the coalition and his personal rapport with Devendra Fadnavis.

Pawar’s preference for a BJP-led government is also seen as a strategy to counterbalance Eknath Shinde’s growing influence and ensure a more equitable power-sharing arrangement in the alliance.

WHAT LIES AHEAD
The leadership question now looms over the Mahayuti alliance, with high-level meetings expected in the coming days to resolve the deadlock. The outcome will not only shape Maharashtra’s immediate political landscape but also have implications for the alliance’s stability ahead of the 2029 general elections.