Could a Portfolio Swap Have Saved Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas Aghadi Coalition?
A recent claim by Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut has ignited a fresh debate about the factors leading to the collapse of Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government in 2022.
Raut asserted that the MVA government, shadowed by the powerful Bharatiya Janata Party, might have survived if the Shiv Sena had retained control of the crucial home department. This portfolio, he alleges, was a sore point during the coalition’s short tenure.
Speaking to the press, Raut revealed a behind-the-scenes conversation: "Senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis privately advised Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray to keep the home department with him, not with alliance partners." However, the critical ministry ultimately went to the Nationalist Congress Party (then united NCP).
This strategic decision, according to Raut, allowed dissenting voices within the Shiv Sena, particularly those aligned with current caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, to exploit internal weaknesses and ultimately defect to the BJP, bringing down the MVA government.
In the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, home portfolio was given to Sharad Pawar-led NCP. (PTI)
Raut’s remarks come as the MVA, composed of the Sena UBT, Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, works to present a unified front against the resurgent BJP-Shinde Sena-NCP (Ajit Pawar) coalition.
While not directly naming the Congress and NCP, Raut’s statements subtly hint at friction within the MVA throughout their government’s tenure. The home department, considered a powerful tool for maintaining political control, was entrusted to NCP’s Anil Deshmukh, who later faced corruption allegations.
This resurgence of blame games adds a new layer of complexity to the MVA’s already tense internal dynamics. Raut seems to be attempting a delicate balancing act – consolidating his party’s position after the split with Shinde’s faction while deflecting criticism from his own leadership.
Shinde’s challenge to Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 marked a turbulent chapter in Maharashtra politics. Now, as the race for Mumbai’s civic body heats up, Raut’s statement could prove to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it underscores the MVA’s internal struggles, potentially playing into the BJP’s narrative that the MVA was a fragile alliance solely for electoral expediency. On the other hand, it prompts a reflection on potential lessons learned, urging the MVA to navigate internal divisions and present a more unified force against their formidable opponents.
The BJP has yet to respond directly to Raut’s accusations. However, history suggests they will likely capitalize on any perceived cracks within the MVA, emphasizing their own role in bringing stability to the troubled state.
Adding fuel to the fire, Raut was quoted as saying:
" In Maharashtra, such a govt was in power that was wrong as per constitution".
#WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, ” In Maharashtra, such a govt was in power that was wrong as per constitution, with the support of Supreme Court. Dy Chandrachud is responsible for this…it has been 10 days, they have a huge majority…BJP themselves have a… pic.twitter.com/n14ey8RpUT— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2024
As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, Raut’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the MVA’s vulnerabilities and the challenges it faces in its bid to reclaim power.
