Bridging the Divide
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.
この記事は The Statesman の November 16, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Statesman の November 16, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Elusive Truce
The recent talks between the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia signal a shift in diplomatic T efforts to find a resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Government pushes for gender-friendly spaces in public places and workplaces
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has urged various government ministries, departments, and state administrations to establish feeding rooms and changing rooms for women and children at public places.
IMF Approves $1.3 Billion Loan Package for Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan for a $1.3 billion loan package for a period of 28 months to support the country's efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Dhankharsays Executive, Legislature, Judiciary not pitted against each other
A day after holding a key all-party meeting on the issue of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Wednesday that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary are not pitted against each other, but all the institutions in the country have to function in tandem.
Bayern to miss injured Davies, Dayot
Bayern Munich have been left without two of their top defenders after Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano both picked up serious injuries on international duty.

Sonia accuses BJP of 'non-fulfillment' of maternity entitlements under NFSA
The NFSA was passed by Parliamentin September 2013 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh
Silencing Satire
The recent talks between the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia signal a shift in diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
Palestinians protest Hamas in rare public show of dissent in Gaza
Palestinians chanted against Hamas during anti-war protests in the Gaza Strip, according to witnesses and videos circulating online. It was a rare show of public anger against the militant group, which has long repressed dissent and still rules the territory 17 months into the war with Israel.

Exploring different dynamics of society
The newly released book \"Alley of Deception\" by Jiyyad Shahul has captured the attention of fiction lovers with its deeply gripping narrative.

Kolkata-London direct flight: AAI, state officials meet
CM Banerjee had emphasised on the growing demand for direct flights from Kolkata to the UK capital following which state home secretary, senior airport officials and travel organisers met on Wednesday