Uddhav Thackeray’s Vision for Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra CM Unveiled
In a recent revelation by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, a fascinating tale unfolds of political ambitions, broken promises, and shifting alliances within Maharashtra’s political landscape. The story revolves around Uddhav Thackeray’s grand plan to appoint Eknath Shinde as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra after the 2019 polls, a plan thwarted by various forces.
The BJP’s failure to uphold their promise of sharing the CM post with the Shiv Sena led to Shinde missing out on the opportunity to lead the government, according to Raut. This revelation sheds light on the internal dynamics and power struggles within the political arena, showcasing the intricate web of relationships and ambitions that shape Maharashtra’s governance.
The Unfulfilled Dream of Eknath Shinde
Following the 2019 assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray, then the head of the undivided Shiv Sena, took a bold step by breaking off the party’s alliance with the BJP over the coveted CM post. This decision paved the way for the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with the Congress and NCP, ultimately leading to Thackeray assuming the role of Chief Minister himself.
However, amidst this political upheaval, Eknath Shinde harbored dreams of becoming the Chief Minister, only to have his aspirations dashed by top leaders within the MVA. Notably, it was Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar who opposed the plan to elevate Shinde to the coveted position, citing his junior status within the alliance.
The Split and its Aftermath
In a surprising turn of events, Eknath Shinde rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray, leading to a split within the Shiv Sena and the formation of a new government with the BJP in June 2022. This move catapulted Shinde into the role of Deputy Chief Minister, alongside Ajit Pawar, who had similarly split the NCP a year later.
The rift between Thackeray and Shinde was further highlighted by Shinde’s recent comments about the allure of the Chief Minister’s post and the deteriorating internal dynamics within the party. These revelations shed light on the inner workings of political parties and the personal ambitions that often drive their decisions.
Contrasting Perspectives
While Sanjay Raut maintains that Uddhav Thackeray had earmarked Shinde as the CM candidate in 2019, other party leaders offer differing accounts of the events leading up to the split. Shambhuraj Desai, a Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra minister, contradicted Raut’s claims, stating that Thackeray initially intended to appoint a common Shiv Sena worker as the CM before circumstances shifted.
On the other hand, BJP leader Nitesh Rane alleged that it was Sanjay Raut himself who harbored ambitions of becoming the Chief Minister, further complicating the narrative surrounding Shinde’s missed opportunity.
As the dust settles on this political saga, the story of Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and the battle for the Chief Minister’s post serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate power dynamics and personal ambitions that shape Maharashtra’s political landscape. Despite the twists and turns, one thing remains clear: the pursuit of power can often lead to unexpected outcomes and fractured alliances within the realm of politics.
