Political Suspense Continues in Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde’s Mysterious Move to Satara Sparks Speculation
Mumbai : The suspense over the Chief Minister’s face continues in Maharashtra. Discussions are ongoing from Mumbai to Delhi regarding the announcement of the CM and government formation. Amidst all this, Acting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has suddenly reached Satara, fueling speculations about his potential dissatisfaction.
Questions are arising about whether Eknath Shinde is on the path to becoming the former CM Uddhav Thackeray. Speculations about Shinde’s discontent gained more traction when Sharad Pawar group leader Jitendra Awhad met him on Friday. However, Jitendra Awhad clarified that their meeting was for personal work.
After meeting Jitendra Awhad, Shinde left for his village in Satara district, where he will stay for two days. Consequently, no meetings about government formation are expected. Meanwhile, Shinde group MLA Uday Samant stated that Eknath Shinde is not upset; he is unwell, which is why he went to Satara.
The current political equations in Maharashtra have once again placed BJP in a situation similar to 2019. Then, BJP and Shiv Sena (undivided) fought the elections together and secured a clear majority. BJP emerged as the largest party in the state. However, after the results, there were disputes over the CM post between Uddhav Thackeray and BJP. Uddhav Thackeray claimed that Amit Shah had promised him 2.5-2.5 years as CM before the elections, which BJP denied.
Subsequently, Uddhav Thackeray distanced himself from BJP. Sharad Pawar took advantage of this resentment, offering Uddhav Thackeray a proposal and convincing Congress to support Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray then became CM with the support of Sharad Pawar’s NCP and Congress.
However, a rebellion occurred in Shiv Sena after two and a half years, and Eknath Shinde became CM with BJP’s support.
Only one difference is visible between the 2019 and 2024 equations: ‘The Numbers Game’. This time, Maharashtra has neither the same situations nor party strengths as in 2019. Earlier, NCP (54 seats) and Shiv Sena (56 seats) were both undivided. Congress had 44 seats. These equations favored Uddhav Thackeray, making him CM. But this time, BJP has achieved a massive victory. In Maharashtra, where 145 seats are needed for a majority, BJP alone has 132 seats. If Shinde attempts to form a government with Congress and NCP factions, he would still need Uddhav Thackeray’s support, which seems unlikely.
