Fresh start: On Maharashtra politics, government formation
Fadnavis has the opportunity to drive a new phase in Maharashtra
The return of Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra marks the culmination of one phase and the beginning of another in the State’s politics. In 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly, overtaking the Shiv Sena, its long-term ally. After a decade of political realignments in the State, the BJP has now established itself as the primary pole. This primacy has been achieved through several controversial and unethical manoeuvres but its definitive electoral mandate can usher in a phase of stability in politics and governance. Mr. Fadnavis, who played a central role in the ascent of the party in recent years, has grown in strength and stature. As the Chief Minister of a State with many resources, he is well placed to climb new heights, but has his task cut out. He will have to balance the many conflicting community and class interests in the State and within the BJP while simultaneously delivering good governance to sustain and enhance his standing. The outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has agreed to be a Deputy Chief Minister in the new government, but not before expressing his displeasure. Ajit Pawar, the other Deputy Chief Minister, is buoyant after his faction established itself as the more popular faction of the Nationalist Congress Party. Mr. Shinde and Mr. Pawar have accepted the new reality of the dominance of the BJP, and the coalition government is as stable as it can get.
There are governance challenges that await the new government. Agrarian distress and industrial expansion are two areas that require early attention. The BJP had to face allegations of discrimination by the Centre against the State in industrial promotion, and Mr. Fadnavis will have to work with BJP national leadership to disprove them. The agricultural sector requires immediate and long-term interventions in terms of investment and price management. The coalition has promised a farm loan waiver, which may be necessary, but can only provide temporary relief. Cash handouts to eligible women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana will go up from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, if the Mahayuti coalition fulfils its campaign promise. The government will have to account for the massive expenses that fulfilling all the promises entail. The State will have to continue to attract investment and launch projects, as well as speed up ongoing ones. Maharashtra attracts migrants and its urban centres require constant upgrades. The BJP and Mr. Fadnavis have a golden chance to drive a new era of Maharashtra’s progress by judiciously handling all these challenges.