Maharashtra Politics Runs on Breakups and Quick Repairs
Maharashtra’s political landscape over the last few years has been defined by sudden breakups, unexpected alliances, and swift power rearrangements. Between 2019 and 2024, the State witnessed dramatic shifts that reshaped governments, split parties, and left voters grappling with constant political uncertainty.
From Stable Mandate to Sudden Collapse
The 2019 Assembly elections delivered a clear majority to the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, disagreements over leadership quickly fractured the coalition, despite its electoral success.
This breakdown led to an unprecedented political arrangement where the Shiv Sena joined hands with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
The Rise of the MVA Government
Uddhav Thackeray took charge as Chief Minister, marking a major ideological shift for the Shiv Sena. A party long associated with aggressive Hindutva politics was now governing alongside its traditional rivals. For many observers, this alliance symbolised how flexible ideology had become in the pursuit of power.
The Shiv Sena Split Changes Everything
The political calm did not last long. In a move that stunned Maharashtra, senior Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde led a rebellion within the party. Breaking away with a significant number of legislators, he aligned with the BJP and brought down the MVA government.
Shinde’s rise to the Chief Minister’s post marked a historic split in the Shiv Sena, a party that had been closely identified with the Thackeray family for decades. The once-unified organisation now existed as two competing factions, each claiming the party’s legacy.
Pawar Family Faces Its Own Political Earthquake
As Maharashtra was still adjusting to the Shiv Sena split, another major shake-up followed in 2023. Ajit Pawar, nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, broke away from the NCP and joined the BJP–Shiv Sena government as Deputy Chief Minister.
NCP Divided into Two Camps
The move resulted in a formal division of the NCP. One faction, led by Ajit Pawar, received official recognition, including the party name and symbol. The other faction, led by Sharad Pawar, was forced to rebrand itself, underlining how legal and institutional decisions now play a crucial role in political battles.
Power Concentration and Voter Fatigue
Despite frequent realignments, power in Maharashtra continues to revolve around a few influential political families. While leaders adapt quickly to new equations, voters are often left to deal with the consequences — policy uncertainty, administrative delays, and shifting governance priorities.
As alliances change with speed across State and civic elections, the burden of political instability ultimately falls on the electorate, raising questions about accountability, ideological consistency, and the long-term health of democratic institutions.
