What’s Really Happening in Maharashtra?
Why did Jayant Patil meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis late at night?
Why did Sharad Pawar suddenly call a meeting of his party leaders at Vidhan Bhavan?
Why did Eknath Shinde fly to Delhi with six MPs to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah?
Why have rumours of a change in Maharashtra’s Chief Minister suddenly gained momentum?
All this happened within just two days.
So, is Maharashtra heading towards a major political earthquake?
Like many of you, I too was surprised by these rapid developments. But the picture is gradually becoming clearer. Here’s how I see it.
Parliament’s Monsoon Session begins on 21 July and continues till 21 August. In my opinion, three crucial bills are likely to dominate the session:
- Delimitation Bill
- Women’s Reservation Bill
- One Nation, One Election Bill
I believe most of the political activity in Maharashtra is revolving around these three bills.
Six MPs from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena have already shifted sides. The focus has now shifted to both NCP factions—Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—which together have a significant presence in Parliament.
This is purely my assessment.
Sharad Pawar may have realised that this could be the last time his party’s numbers in Parliament carry maximum bargaining power with the BJP leadership. If that is the case, there is nothing unusual about negotiating from a position of strength.
Recently, Devendra Fadnavis stated that “no new party from Maharashtra would join the NDA”. To me, that indicated he was not keen on formally bringing Sharad Pawar into the alliance.
But then another question arises.
If there was nothing political brewing, why did Jayant Patil first meet Vinod Tawde and then CM Devendra Fadnavis?
The political buzz suggests that the BJP leadership is seeking support from both NCP factions for these crucial bills. If that is true, Vinod Tawde’s meeting with Jayant Patil begins to make sense.
If I were Supriya Sule, I would see this as a golden opportunity.
If the NDA genuinely requires my party’s support, why shouldn’t I negotiate for something substantial in return? A Union Cabinet berth in the upcoming reshuffle would certainly be a fair political demand. The only challenge would be convincing the Maharashtra BJP leadership.
From what I understand, Devendra Fadnavis is still not in favour of formally inducting Sharad Pawar into the NDA. At the same time, sources suggest leaders in both NCP factions are restless about their political future.
Perhaps Sharad Pawar realised that before more leaders drift away, it would be wiser to open communication with the BJP and project any understanding as political cooperation rather than a surrender. That, in my opinion, explains Jayant Patil’s meeting with Fadnavis.
Meanwhile, another battle appears to be unfolding within Ajit Pawar’s NCP.
There are reports of objections to Sunetra Pawar’s appointment, with Sacchidanand Singh emerging as a challenger. Some political insiders believe Praful Patel is also ignored in the current game.
If I were Amit Shah, I would approach this differently.
Instead of encouraging defections, I would explore reuniting both NCP factions.
Sunetra Pawar could continue as Deputy Chief Minister. Supriya Sule could join the Union Cabinet & let the party be in her hands once patriarch hangs his boots.
Jayant Patil could become Maharashtra’s Finance Minister, along with a few Cabinet berths for the party.
Personally, I have never believed that constant poaching is a sustainable political strategy. It has not always benefited the BJP. Both NCP factions still command their own vote bases, and a reunion could provide greater long-term stability.
On the other hand, Eknath Shinde appears to be strengthening his ties with Delhi.
By bringing six MPs into his camp, he has strengthened his bargaining position within the NDA. It is no secret that he would like to become Chief Minister once again.
At the same time, the BJP leadership appears to be encouraging Dr. Shrikant Shinde’s growing national profile while allowing Eknath Shinde to consolidate his position in Maharashtra.
Political sources also claim that several MPs and MLAs from both NCP factions remain in touch with Shinde. If that is accurate, he has undoubtedly become one of Maharashtra’s most effective political operators when it comes to attracting leaders from rival parties.
Finally, let me repeat what I have said several times before. As far as I am concerned, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are completely aligned. Despite all the speculation, I do not believe Devendra Fadnavis is under any pressure.
My assessment remains unchanged.
Devendra Fadnavis will continue to lead Maharashtra. The only person who could eventually succeed him as Chief Minister is Eknath Shinde—and that too only when Fadnavis moves to the Centre and the BJP leadership decides the timing is right.
Everything else, in my opinion, is media speculation.
Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi.
