Maharashtra is gearing up for its Assembly elections on November 20, 2024, where voters will decide on the future of the state’s 288 legislative seats. The Election Commission of India announced that votes will be counted on November 23. This election is marked by a significant rivalry between the ruling Mahayuti Alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), setting the stage for an intense political showdown.
The ruling Mahayuti Alliance comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Devendra Fadnavis, along with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Ajit Pawar and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. On the opposing side, the MVA includes the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and the Congress party.
The last five years have seen considerable political instability in Maharashtra, with three different chief ministers and significant factional splits in both the Shiv Sena and NCP. The upcoming election will be the first for Maharashtra after these major political realignments.
Key Players to Watch
1. Sharad Pawar - The Political Veteran At 84, Sharad Pawar remains a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, often described as a master strategist. He played a pivotal role in orchestrating the formation of the MVA by facilitating a coalition between ideologically diverse parties. The 2024 elections are critical for Pawar, especially after the collapse of the MVA government in 2022 following the Shiv Sena split. His ability to unite the opposition and reclaim political ground will be under scrutiny, particularly after a strong showing by his faction in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
2. Devendra Fadnavis - The BJP Face Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is a leading figure for the BJP in Maharashtra. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Minister, he is backed by the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he faces significant pressure after the BJP's underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where they won only 9 out of 28 contested seats. The upcoming assembly results will be crucial for determining his future in state politics.
3. Uddhav Thackeray - The Resilient Leader Uddhav Thackeray, who recently reemerged as a key player in Maharashtra politics, is fighting to uphold his family’s legacy amid a split in the Shiv Sena. His performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he secured nine seats, boosts his political standing. The assembly elections will be a decisive moment for Thackeray as he seeks to prove his faction’s relevance and leadership within the broader opposition alliance.
4. Eknath Shinde - The Rebel Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who took over as Chief Minister after a major revolt against Uddhav Thackeray, has worked to reshape his image from a "puppet" of the BJP to a formidable political leader. His faction performed well in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 7 out of 15 contested seats. As he prepares for the assembly elections, Shinde aims to solidify his party's influence within the ruling coalition.
5. Ajit Pawar - The Estranged Nephew Ajit Pawar's recent split from his uncle Sharad Pawar's NCP makes the upcoming elections particularly significant for his political future. As Deputy Chief Minister, he leads his faction into the elections, contesting 52 seats. His stronghold in Baramati, where he faces his nephew, will be a key focus in this election.
6. Nana Patole - The Congress Chief As the head of the Congress party in Maharashtra, Nana Patole plays a vital role in shaping the party's strategy against the BJP. His vocal opposition to the ruling party has sometimes led to tensions within the MVA. Despite these challenges, he remains a significant contender in the election landscape.
7. Raj Thackeray - The Controversial Figure Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has maintained a critical stance against the BJP since 2019. He is fielding candidates in 165 seats, which includes a personal stake as his son Amit makes his electoral debut. Raj’s influence in the election could be pivotal, especially in urban areas like Mumbai.
As Maharashtra prepares for this critical election, the outcomes will depend heavily on how these key players navigate the complex political landscape. The results will not only determine the state's governance but also set the tone for future political alignments.
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