In the wake of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena has reasserted its commitment to the INDIA bloc, dispelling rumors of potential realignments with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. With a substantial presence of nine seats, the Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as Maharashtra’s second-largest party, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst the post-election landscape.
Chaturvedi Challenges Poll Predictions
On the digital platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Priyanka Chaturvedi, a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a Rajya Sabha MP, expressed skepticism towards pollsters who had earlier predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Highlighting the stark contrast between forecasts and actual results, Chaturvedi addressed the proliferation of rumors hinting at her party's potential departure from the INDIA alliance to rejoin the NDA. She emphasized the party's allegiance to the people, drawing a clear distinction from the narratives propagated by certain media outlets and pundits.
Shiv Sena's Political Evolution
Reflecting on the political trajectory since the 2019 General Elections, wherein the BJP and Shiv Sena forged a coalition securing 41 Lok Sabha seats collectively, internal discord over the chief ministerial position prompted the Shiv Sena to contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections independently. Consequently, the party severed ties with the NDA, leading to Uddhav Thackeray assuming the chief ministerial role within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, alongside the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Shinde's Departure and Reshuffling of Power
In a significant turn of events in 2022, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde parted ways with the party, realigning himself with the NDA. Citing a deviation from the alliance's 2019 mandate, Shinde's departure marked a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's political landscape. Subsequently, amidst the ensuing power vacuum, Uddhav Thackeray relinquished his position, paving the way for Shinde's ascendancy as the chief minister, with Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP serving as his deputy. The appointment of Ajit Pawar as the second deputy chief minister further underscored the intricacies within the state's political dynamics.
The Fragmented Factions in Maharashtra Politics
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections witnessed the emergence of multiple factions within both Shiv Sena and NCP, operating under varying identities. While factions led by Shinde and Ajit Pawar garnered support, the Thackeray and Sharad Pawar groups, in alliance with the Congress, faced formidable challenges. The ensuing electoral contest turned into a litmus test for the survival and prestige of these factions, exacerbated by the allocation of party symbols.
Electoral Outcomes and Coalition Dynamics
Despite initial optimism within the Mahayuti alliance, comprising Sena-BJP-NCP, the BJP's dwindling tally from 23 to nine seats marked a significant shift in Maharashtra's political landscape. Conversely, the coalition led by Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, alongside the Congress and NCP under Sharad Pawar, secured victories in 30 out of the state's 48 constituencies. This coalition emerged as a formidable force, with the Congress leading with 13 seats, followed by Team Uddhav with nine and Sharad Pawar's party securing eight seats.
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