A new start: Politics and government formation in Maharashtra

The return of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister of Maharashtra marks the culmination of one phase in the state’s politics and the beginning of the next. In 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) overtook its long-time ally Shiv Sena to emerge as the single largest party in Congress. After a decade of political realignment in the country, the BJP has now established itself as the dominant party. Although this dominance has been achieved through some controversial and unethical maneuvers, its decisive electoral mandate could usher in a phase of stability in politics and governance. Fadnavis has played a central role in the party’s rise in recent years and has grown in strength and stature. As the prime minister of a country with many resources, he is well placed to climb to new heights, but his mission has been cut short. He will have to balance the interests of many competing communities and classes within the state and the Bharatiya Janata Party, while at the same time delivering on good governance to preserve and strengthen his own position. Outgoing chief minister Eknath Shinde agreed to become deputy chief minister in the new government, but stopped short of expressing his dissatisfaction. Another deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, is buoyed by his faction’s establishment as the more popular faction within the Congress party. Shinde and Pawar have accepted the new reality of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s dominance, making the coalition as stable as possible.

There are governance challenges awaiting the new government. Agricultural land crisis and industrial expansion are two areas that require early attention. The BJP has to face allegations of discrimination by the Center against the state in industrial development and Mr. Fadnavis needs to work with the state leadership of the BJP to disprove this. The agricultural sector requires immediate and long-term interventions in terms of investment and price control. The coalition has promised agricultural loan forgiveness, which may be necessary but will only provide temporary relief. If the Mahayuti Alliance fulfills its election promise, the cash transfer to eligible women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. The government will have to incur huge costs to fulfill all its promises. The state must continue to attract investment, launch projects, and accelerate ongoing projects. Maharashtra is attracting immigrants and its urban centers are in need of continuous upgrading. The BJP and Fadnavis have a golden opportunity to propel a new era of progress in Maharashtra by addressing all these challenges wisely.