Bridging the Divide

In an era of heightened political polarisation, Wednesday's meeting between the incoming and outgoing US presidents signals a return to civility.

The Maharashtra Assembly elections have become a dynamic battleground where political ambitions, alliances, and rivalries intersect in complex ways.

The contest between the Mahayuti alliance—comprising chief minister Eknath Shinde's breakaway Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party—and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP faction loyal to Mr Sharad Pawar, promises a unique political drama.

With six parties navigating intra-and inter-coalition tensions, the outcome may set the stage for future power dynamics in Maharashtra.

At the heart of the Mahayuti, the BJP's ambition to reclaim the chief minister's position adds friction.

Mr Shinde has defied expectations, proving a capable administrator.

The BJP has fielded candidates in over 140 seats and has no intention of playing second fiddle again.

It sees this election as an opportunity to gain enough seats to command Maharashtra's leadership, potentially at the expense of its regional partners.

In this struggle, the BJP aims to secure at least a 60 per cent strike rate, which would give it a commanding position, leaving no room for its allies to make a substantial claim to power.

Mr Ajit Pawar, leader of the NCP faction allied with the Mahayuti, is navigating his own challenges.

Known for his tough demeanor, Mr Pawar has made efforts to soften his public image.

He has staked a bold claim to political credit, particularly with schemes targeted at women, but his position remains vulnerable.

While he has held on to 57 seats within the Mahayuti, he is seen as an "ideological misfit" by some alliance members and is far from guaranteed a central role should the Mahayuti come to power.

Across the aisle, the MVA alliance is dealing with its own challenges.