The last ten days have been a rollercoaster ride for Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, facing personal health issues and extreme political pressure. While dealing with health issues, Shinde was also mounting expectations to join the government headed by Maharashtra‘s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Having been the chief minister of the state for more than two years, Shinde was initially opposed to this idea, stating that he would like to concentrate on strengthening his party’s organisation rather than accepting a secondary position.
Internal Discord and Speculation on Alliance Unity
As the rumours regarding fissures within the Mahayuti alliance continued to spread, Eknath Shinde went back to his native village in Satara for a few days. Nevertheless, his temporary sojourn could not last for long, as he returned to Mumbai to discuss matters with key leaders of the alliance. It was at the official residence, Varsha Bungalow, that he met chief minister-elect Devendra Fadnavis and made the final call to accept the deputy chief minister position.
Fadnavis Plays Key Role in Shinde‘s Decision
Fadnavis was instrumental in persuading Eknath Shinde to think again on his decision. After having staked claim to form the government, Fadnavis personally visited Shinde and discussed cabinet formation with him. He reportedly conveyed his reservations at a 20-minute meeting, after which Fadnavis reassured him of a fair deal for key portfolios, including home department, MSRDC, and energy – critical to governance and party political stakes.
In a media interaction, Fadnavis said that he was confident of Shinde‘s decision, adding, “It is the wish of Shiv Sena and Mahayuti members that Shinde should be with us in this government. I have full faith he will join us.”
Party Unity and Pressure from Shiv Sena Leaders
Shiv Sena MLAs and former cabinet colleagues also played an important role in making Shinde succumb to the deputy CM position. Sources indicate that Shinde had initially entertained hopes of another senior party leader taking it up. However, strong demands from Shiv Sena MLAs, MPs, and party members across the state forced him to reconsider.
Party MLA Bharat Gogavale stressed that Shinde must join the new government for party morale and unity. “We requested him to join the government as this will benefit both the party and the administration,”he said. Similarly, Uday Samant said that the number of MLAs including independents was in majority that supported Shinde‘s joining the government, showing how unanimous the party is.
Balancing Leadership and Party Loyalty
Shinde‘s main hesitation came from the fact that in taking on the deputy chief minister role, he would make Shiv Sena a prominent force within the ruling government and protect its interests. However, thepost might be seen as something of a demotion coming off a tenure as chief minister. In contrast, refusing to take on the post might dilute the power Shiv Sena enjoyed within Mahayuti, thus jeopardising the party‘s power base going forward.
Shinde’s Acceptance Marks a Turning Point for Shiv Sena
Eknath Shinde‘s decision to accept the deputy chief minister role is a turning point in the political scenario of Maharashtra. He is joining the Fadnavis-led government and thus ensures Shiv Sena‘s relevance in the ruling coalition, while his leadership in the party will be further reinforced. With promises of fair distribution of key portfolios, the decision will also highlight the importance of maintaining coalition harmony and meeting internal demands.
Under Mahayuti governance, Eknath Shinde is important as this new phase may hold in the formation and evolution of governance and the dynamics in state politics in making sure that Shiv Sena retains its position.
