Decks are finally cleared for the swearing-in of a Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress coalition government headed by Uddhav Thackeray, even as the high-pitched 5-day political drama in Maharashtra draws to a close. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Deputy Ajit Pawar resigned paving the way for the alliance government and the BJP juggernaut came to a grinding halt. The coming together of politically diametric Sena-NCP-Congress is another example of how ideologies are increasingly becoming irrelevant in current political narratives.
The political tamasha which swayed from Raj Bhavan to the Supreme Court and then to the resorts only highlights the fact that secular narratives have turned outdated. The mood within the Sena camp said it all. Their supporters chanting slogans for NCP and Congress were unheard in the past, but it’s all happening now. Power play is the new-age politics.
Ajit Pawar in his resignation appears to be taking the high moral ground of quitting before facing the floor test. Devendra Fadnavis threw in the towel too and claimed the numbers are not with them. But it’s baffling to understand Fadnavis’ move to stake claim if he did not enjoy the confidence of the Ajit Pawar group. This only suggests that either Ajit Pawar played bluff or the BJP took a gamble in trying to split the NCP just the way they did to parties in other States, including the Congress in Goa.
Ajit Pawar emerged the biggest clown in this political churn for the simple reason that he made a false claim knowing well that the NCP numbers are not with him. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar emerged a superhero for rallying from the brink and showing political acumen and character to hold his flock together. Taking the fight to the BJP camp and challenging Amit Shah’s political manoeuvres shows the grit of this Maratha leader. It is one of those rare occasions that the BJP was outplayed at a game they are so good at.
The NCP in Maharashtra, on the other hand, has set a perfect example for self-centred and selfish politics in other states. It’s a lesson for those who have compromised party ideologies and changed sides for the greed of power, even risking their political careers.
The Maharashtra game of snake and ladders is all about BJP scouting for factionalism within rival parties and its insatiable search for power, Ajit Pawar’s desperation and NCP’s unflinching show of unity. All players played their part, but the Congress stood exposed once again for a lack of coordination and the slow pace of decision-making on a fast-moving political canvas.
The Sena has fulfilled its long-standing dream, but will the top-heavy alliance survive its tenure? The NCP has struck a masterstroke. The Congress gets a chance to resurrect its fortunes but at a cost of overriding its principle of not aligning with what it sees as non-secular parties. The BJP is watching from the sidelines, just like in Karnataka. The Aghadi rolls out but faces a tough road ahead.
