The results of the Lok Sabha polls in 2024 have changed the political scene in Maharashtra right now. The election results have caused big changes in the major political parties and important people. These changes have mostly affected the coalition government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which is made up of the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Overview of the Election Results
Surprisingly, the MVA won 30 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats, while the Mahayuti alliance, which was in power, only 17 seats. The BJP lost two seats, going from having 23 seats in 2019 to having only 9 seats this time. The Congress made a big comeback by winning 13 seats. Uddhav Thackeray’s party won 9 seats, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP won 8 seats [2, 3].
Effects on public figures in politics
The election results have strengthened Eknath Shinde’s position as Chief Minister and made him the clear leader of his Shiv Sena party. Because his party beat Uddhav Thackeray’s candidates, there aren’t as many direct threats to his leadership from within the BJP coalition. On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was criticised for not living up to standards, which made him think about resigning in response to calls for accountability[2, 3].
There is no doubt that Sharad Pawar is still powerful. He has led his NCP group to big wins, like in Baramati, where his daughter Supriya Sule beat Ajit Pawar’s wife. This win not only boosts Pawar’s political standing, but it also shows how smartly he managed to keep the party together despite disagreements within it[4, 5].
There have been policy changes and controversies.
An important issue that came up during the election campaign was the Maratha reservation, which hurt the BJP in places like Marathwada and Vidarbha. People say that the BJP’s failure to successfully address these concerns was one of the reasons they lost the elections. Also, civil society groups have gotten people to vote against what they see as the state government’s anti-people policies. This shows a change towards political participation at the local level[2, 4].
What This Means for Future Elections
The Lok Sabha results have made it possible for later this year’s assembly polls. The MVA is now in a good situation because voters have clearly told them what they want. This is because they want change after years of unstable politics with changing alliances. Political experts think that the MVA will use its recent victories to question the BJP’s power even more, focussing on the bad government and economic problems that people are having under the current administration[3, 5].
As Maharashtra’s assembly elections get closer, there is talk of possible cabinet reshuffles and realignments within the ruling alliance. This is because both Shinde and Fadnavis are being questioned about their ability to lead after this loss.
Conclusion:
Maharashtra’s politics have changed a lot since the recent Lok Sabha elections. These changes have big effects on both the ruling and opposition groups. People who matter, like Eknath Shinde and Sharad Pawar, are trying to get power ahead of the assembly elections. People will be paying close attention to how these events lead to policy changes that affect their daily lives. The voters’ wish for stability and good government will definitely be a major factor in deciding future elections in this politically active state.
Citations:
[1] https://ceoelection.maharashtra.gov.in/ceo/Expenditure/political-party-accounts.aspx
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/maharashtra-politics
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maharashtra-elections-ajit-pawar-vs-sharad-pawar-ncp-bjp-congress-maha-game-on-in-maharashtra-what-shifting-political-landscape-means/articleshow/111835857.cms
[4] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/sharad-pawar-ncp-big-fish-will-join-party-mahayuti-seats-maharashtra-elections-9587596/
[5] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-election-results-2024-live-updates-lok-sabha-ncp-shiv-sena-bjp-congress-9369446/
[6] https://frontline.thehindu.com/election-2024/maharashtra-lok-sabha-election-2024-sharad-pawar-uddhav-balasaheb-thackeray-pm-modi-maha-vikas-aghadi/article68262094.ece
[7] https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/maharashtra-politics-more-than-that-meets-the-eye/article68296630.ece
