The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra is on the brink of securing a resounding victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, with leads on 149 seats according to the latest updates from the Election Commission. Despite facing significant challenges like anti-incumbency, allegations of division within the Shiv Sena and NCP, and the volatile Maratha agitation, the alliance looks poised to form the government again. Among the many factors that contributed to their success, one stands out: the leadership of Eknath Shinde. His influence has been crucial in shaping the Mahayuti victory story.
One of the most impactful moves made by the Shinde-led alliance was the introduction of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at benefiting women across the state. The scheme promised a steady monthly cash flow to women’s accounts, and its direct impact on household finances built significant trust and goodwill. This initiative had a strong effect on the women voters, a group that was once considered loyal to the opposition. The Shinde government’s welfare-oriented approach resonated with these voters, leading many to switch their allegiance to the Mahayuti alliance. This move alone played a pivotal role in securing support from a large segment of the electorate. Moreover, in the final days leading up to the elections, Shinde’s government took the decision to remove toll charges on several highways, which further bolstered public sentiment and helped the alliance cement its hold over the electorate.
Another factor that significantly helped the alliance was the strategic use of the Maratha pride narrative, which Shinde effectively championed. As a prominent Maratha leader, Shinde’s appointment as Chief Minister turned out to be a political masterstroke. The BJP and Mahayuti used Shinde’s strong roots within the Maratha community to their advantage, capitalizing on the ongoing Maratha agitation led by Jarange Patil. While opposition parties like the MVA tried to leverage the anger and discontent of the Maratha community, the BJP was quick to frame Shinde as a true representative of Maratha pride, diluting the opposition’s efforts. Shinde’s leadership became a symbol of Maratha honor, with voters seeing him as someone who would protect their interests. This move helped neutralize the opposition’s narrative, positioning the Thackeray family and other leaders as “outsiders” to the community.
The alliance also proved adept at managing the complex religious dynamics of the state. In a state like Maharashtra, where communal tensions can be easily exploited, Mahayuti took a careful approach to balance both Hindu and Muslim votes. The alliance consolidated the Hindu vote by focusing on issues like “love jihad” and religious conversions. These topics resonated with a section of the electorate that was inclined to support the BJP’s strong stance on cultural and religious issues. Simultaneously, the alliance made strategic overtures to Muslim voters, such as increasing the salaries of madrasa teachers and ensuring that Muslim candidates from the NCP faction were given prominent positions. This dual approach created a perception of inclusivity and helped secure support from a broader cross-section of the electorate.
The BJP’s decentralized campaign strategy also played a major role in the success of the Mahayuti alliance. In previous elections, the BJP heavily relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity to sway voters. This time, however, the party adopted a more localized campaign approach. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took center stage, conducting the majority of rallies and public meetings. Fadnavis’s focus on regional issues and empowering local leaders made the campaign feel more grounded and connected to the everyday concerns of voters. This regional focus allowed the alliance to resonate more with the masses, as the issues that mattered to them were brought to the forefront.
The synergy between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP also had a significant impact on the outcome of the election. The RSS played an active role in grassroots campaigning, with volunteers reaching out to voters at the local level. Their efforts included distributing pamphlets that highlighted contentious issues like “land jihad” and communal violence, which were designed to galvanize voters and unite them behind the BJP-led alliance. This ground-level mobilization helped the alliance gain traction among voters who may have otherwise felt disconnected from the political process.
All these strategies combined to create a winning formula for Mahayuti, but Eknath Shinde’s leadership was undoubtedly central to its success. His ability to bridge gaps between different communities, secure the Maratha vote, and lead the alliance through a challenging political environment showcased his political acumen and resilience. Shinde’s leadership not only strengthened the Maratha identity but also helped solidify the alliance’s hold over Maharashtra. His strategic decisions, coupled with welfare schemes, political outreach, and effective campaign management, have made Mahayuti a formidable force that appears unstoppable in the state.
As the election results continue to unfold, it is clear that the Shinde factor has played a decisive role in shaping Mahayuti’s electoral victory. His leadership, combined with the alliance’s smart strategies and strong execution, has transformed it into an unbeatable force in Maharashtra. The challenges faced by the alliance, from anti-incumbency to internal divisions, were overcome by Shinde’s strong leadership and the Mahayuti’s ability to connect with voters on a grassroots level. As a result, the alliance is now poised for another successful term in Maharashtra.