As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) celebrates a resounding electoral victory in Maharashtra, a subtle “chair message” at a gathering in the Chief Minister’s residence, Varsha, has sparked speculation about the shifting dynamics within the alliance.
The NDA clinched a massive mandate in the state, with the BJP emerging as the dominant force, winning 130 of the 148 seats it contested—a stellar strike rate of nearly 90%. Its allies, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction, secured 54 and 41 seats, respectively. While the numbers paint a picture of unity, the allocation of power and leadership roles is already becoming a hot topic.
The Chair Message: A Symbolic Gesture?
In a post-election celebratory meeting, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis were seated on identical high-back chairs, while Ajit Pawar and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale sat on smaller ones. The visual has been interpreted by many as a signal of the BJP’s growing dominance and a potential reshuffle in the alliance’s power dynamics.
Eknath Shinde, who became Chief Minister after his 2022 rebellion that split the Shiv Sena, may face challenges as the BJP eyes the top post, buoyed by its exceptional electoral performance. Despite holding the second-in-command position, Fadnavis has emerged as a key architect of the BJP’s victory, positioning himself strongly for a leadership role.
Ajit Pawar, the newest entrant to the alliance, might find himself relegated to a smaller role, as the BJP’s numbers allow it to dictate terms with either ally to cross the majority threshold in the 288-member Assembly.
Alliance Dynamics in Play
The BJP’s moral high ground in 2022, when it allowed Shinde to take the Chief Minister’s chair, is now a bargaining chip as the party asserts its claim to leadership. Both Shinde and Fadnavis have stated that the decision on the Chief Minister’s post will be taken collectively by the allies, but the BJP’s leverage is unmistakable.
At a joint press conference, Shinde, flanked by Fadnavis and Pawar, sought to project unity within the alliance. However, the visible seating arrangements and the BJP’s commanding performance suggest a delicate balancing act ahead.
Challenges Ahead for the NDA
While the election is won, the BJP faces the challenge of maintaining alliance harmony while asserting its supremacy. Shinde and Pawar’s factions will likely push for key ministerial berths, but the BJP’s dominance ensures that any significant concessions will come on its terms.
As Maharashtra moves beyond the ballot box, the real Game of Thrones begins, where symbols like chairs and seating arrangements could hold the key to decoding the future of the state’s politics.