- The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena has reaffirmed its allegiance to the INDI alliance, dispelling rumors of a potential retraction to the NDA fold.
- With 9 seats to its name, the Shiv Sena (UBT) emerges as Maharashtra’s second-largest party.
- The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented political complexity, characterized by factional divisions within key political entities.
- The BJP-backed Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions found themselves in direct opposition to the Thackeray and Sharad Pawar factions, supported by the Congress.
- The Congress-Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)-NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) alliance emerged triumphant, securing a commanding victory in 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 constituencies.
In the wake of swirling speculations, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena has unequivocally reaffirmed its allegiance to the INDIA alliance, dispelling rumors of a potential retraction to the NDA fold. With nine seats to its name, the Shiv Sena (UBT) emerges as Maharashtra’s second-largest party, sharing the electoral limelight with its erstwhile ally, the BJP. This recent electoral success has injected a renewed sense of morale and determination within the party ranks, particularly given the less favorable outcome for the Eknath Shinde faction, which managed to secure only seven seats.
In a defiant statement shared on X, Priyanka Chaturvedi, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a Rajya Sabha MP, took a pointed dig at certain sections of the media allegedly inclined towards the BJP. She dismissed claims suggesting the Shiv Sena’s potential departure from the INDIA alliance, emphasizing, “Moye Moye. Ye na hoye (this won’t happen). You can roye roye (you can cry).”
To appreciate the significance of this steadfast declaration, it’s imperative to delve into the Shiv Sena’s intricate political trajectory. In the backdrop of the 2019 general elections, the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena forged a formidable electoral alliance, collectively clinching an impressive tally of 41 Lok Sabha seats. However, simmering discontent over the allocation of the chief ministerial post in Maharashtra led to a rupture in the alliance, prompting the Shiv Sena to exit the NDA fold and forge an alliance with the NCP and Congress under the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition banner.
The political landscape witnessed a seismic shift three years later when Shiv Sena luminary Eknath Shinde, purportedly influenced by BJP overtures, opted to split from the party ranks and realign with the NDA. This move precipitated a significant power realignment, with Mr. Shinde ascending to the chief ministerial throne, aided by BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis assuming the role of deputy chief minister. Subsequent political maneuvers saw the NCP faction undergoing a similar split, further consolidating Mr. Shinde’s grip on power by enlisting Ajit Pawar as deputy chief minister.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented political complexity, characterized by factional divisions within key political entities resulting in multiple contenders under subtly distinct banners. The BJP-backed Shinde and Ajit Pawar factions found themselves in direct opposition to the Thackeray and Sharad Pawar factions, supported by the Congress.
Despite initial confidence within the Sena-BJP-NCP coalition, known as Mahayuti, the electoral outcome proved sobering for the BJP, witnessing a significant reduction in seats from 23 to nine. Meanwhile, Team Shinde secured seven seats, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP clinched just one, underscoring the fluidity within the political landscape.
In stark contrast, the Congress-Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)-NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) alliance emerged triumphant, securing a commanding victory in 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 constituencies. The Congress emerged as the leading party with 13 seats, followed closely by Team Uddhav with nine, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP secured eight seats.
Against this backdrop, the Shiv Sena’s steadfast commitment to the INDIA alliance signals a strategic move aimed at consolidating its political position and maintaining stability within Maharashtra’s intricate political ecosystem amidst swirling speculations and evolving alliances.
(With inputs from agencies)
