Why Does the BJP Support Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra?

In the political landscape of Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shown a strategic move by supporting Eknath Shinde, the leader of the Janata Party (JP). This support comes against the backdrop of various proposals from the Modi government, which were obstructed by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. Understanding the reasons behind this support involves looking at multiple factors, including political strategy, party dynamics, and regional alliances.

1. Obstruction of Modi's Proposals

One of the primary reasons for BJP's support to Eknath Shinde is the continuous obstruction to Modi government's proposals. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena, Congress, and independent candidates, has been a significant hurdle in implementing these plans. The BJP has observed that the MVA's opposition has created a deadlock, making it challenging to achieve progress in various areas.

2. Keeping Uddav Thackeray and His Son Away from Power

The BJP's support to Eknath Shinde also serves as a strategic move to keep Uddav Thackeray and his son, Ajit Thackeray, away from ministerial positions. The Shiv Sena has traditionally held key positions in the state government, and any alliance with the BJP would dilute their influence. By supporting Eknath Shinde, the BJP aims to marginalize the Thackeray family's presence in the government, thereby maintaining its own influence and power.

3. Political Integrity and Hindutva Agenda

While candidates entering politics with a Hindutva agenda need to adhere to certain principles, Uddav Thackeray has been criticized for failing to maintain these standards in several instances. His failure to stick to the Hindutva agenda is evident in recent controversies such as the deaths of Sadguru Sant IPO and the Hanuman Chalisa incident. Additionally, his move to form alliances with Sanjay Raut and Aditya Thackeray has been perceived as a deviation from the BJP's ideology.

4. Historical Context and Regional Alliances

The decision to support Eknath Shinde also reflects the historical and regional alliances that have shaped the political landscape in Maharashtra. The BJP has a long-standing rivalry with the Shiv Sena, and the party's move to align with Eknath Shinde is a strategic play to counterbalance the Shinde-led Janata Party’s influence. The potential for a rise of similar patterns, as seen in Telangana with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress, highlighting the possibility of an "Ctrl C, Ctrl V" scenario in Maharashtra, where the BJP and the Janata Party might fill similar roles.

5. Impact of Political Alliances

The political alliances in Maharashtra have a significant impact on the state's governance and development. The choice to support Eknath Shinde has far-reaching implications, including the potential for a more stable government, better implementation of policies, and greater progress in the face of opposition from the MVA. This strategic move by the BJP is aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the state government and implementing the various plans outlined by the Modi government.

In conclusion, the BJP's support to Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra is driven by a combination of political strategy, party dynamics, and regional alliances. The MVA's obstruction of Modi's proposals, the BJP's need to keep the Thackeray family away from key positions, and the failure of Uddav Thackeray to adhere to the Hindutva agenda are all factors contributing to this support. The implications of this alliance are significant for the future of Maharashtra and the broader political landscape of India.