Political Battle Intensifies in Maharashtra Civic Polls
The political landscape in Maharashtra has witnessed a significant shift as the state prepares for crucial civic elections scheduled for December 2. Unlike previous political battles, the current contest has transformed from a straightforward confrontation between the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances to an internal struggle where each party within both coalitions is fighting to establish its individual strength.
Alliance Partners Turn Competitors
In an unexpected turn of events, the ruling Mahayuti alliance partners - BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and NCP led by Ajit Pawar - are openly competing against each other in many constituencies. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is spearheading the BJP's campaign to demonstrate the party's dominance in state politics, while Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are equally aggressive in proving their respective party strengths.
The elections are being conducted across 246 Nagar Parishads and 42 Nagar Panchayats, covering rural and semi-urban areas of Maharashtra. These polls are considered crucial as they are likely to set the momentum for upcoming urban civic body elections, including the significant Mumbai municipal corporation elections.
Scheme Politics Takes Center Stage
The election campaign witnessed dramatic developments when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that the Ladki Bahin scheme, providing Rs 1,500 per woman monthly, would continue as long as he remains the chief minister. This statement prompted an immediate response from Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who reminded everyone that the scheme was initiated during his tenure as chief minister.
"No one will be able to discontinue the scheme as long as he is in power," asserted Shinde, highlighting the underlying tension between alliance partners. The exchange underscores the competitive dynamics within the Mahayuti coalition, where each party is attempting to claim credit for popular welfare schemes.
Contrasting Campaign Strategies
While Mahayuti partners are engaged in public spats, the opposition MVA alliance comprising NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress has adopted a different approach. The MVA partners are jointly contesting most civic bodies under the leadership of local influencers rather than relying on state-wide campaigns by top leaders.
BJP leaders have attempted to downplay the internal competition, clarifying that each alliance partner is free to contest civic polls to strengthen their respective bases. Party representatives emphasized that the alliance at state and national levels remains unaffected since no party is directly challenging each other publicly. However, ground reports suggest that in constituencies where primary contests are between Mahayuti partners, local leaders are pulling out all stops to defeat their alliance rivals.
The political rhetoric intensified with BJP minister Chandrakant Patil and state leader Sudhir Mungantiwar targeting Ajit Pawar over his campaign tactics. They questioned the NCP leader's approach of seeking votes by promising funds for different areas, emphasizing that the chief minister holds final authority over the state budget.
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar expressed concern about the nature of the ongoing civic polls, noting that he had never previously participated in such elections. "There seems to be a race on seeking votes on assurance of providing funds rather than on development issues," he observed, criticizing the campaign focus on monetary promises rather than substantive development agendas.
As Maharashtra witnesses this unique political phenomenon where alliance partners compete while maintaining their coalition, the December 2 civic polls are poised to redefine political equations in the state and potentially influence the trajectory of future electoral battles.
