NEW DELHI: Maharashtra is once again on the edge of a major political realignment, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly slipping into rebellion mode amid widening differences with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Top political sources indicate that the BJP is exploring parallel tracks — engaging Raj Thackeray on one side while also keeping channels open with Uddhav Thackeray, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic reshuffling of alliances in the state.
According to credible reports, the BJP leadership has been assessing the possibility of a broader Thackeray reunification within the NDA, but such a move would likely require the party to disengage from its current ally, Eknath Shinde.
For Uddhav Thackeray, who broke away and fought a bitter legal and political battle for the Shiv Sena name and symbol, any return to the NDA fold would be a tough and politically costly decision. However, sources say he may consider the option if the BJP distances itself from Shinde and provides assurances on the Shiv Sena’s symbolic and organisational claims.
Insiders in Mumbai political circles claim that over 20 MLAs from the Shinde camp are already in touch with both the BJP leadership and the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
The swirl of speculation intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprising presence at a high-profile wedding in Delhi last Saturday, the marriage of Raj Thackeray’s brother-in-law. The five-star venue, located close to the Prime Minister’s residence, saw Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray and senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders in attendance.
A senior Mumbai-based journalist described the gathering as “politically loaded,” hinting that “something big may be underway.”
In a significant late-night development, Chief Minister Fadnavis met Eknath Shinde on Monday in an attempt to resolve growing tensions within the government. Meanwhile, sources say the BJP leadership has informally offered to support Uddhav in reclaiming the original Shiv Sena symbol and to extend full organisational backing should he consider rejoining the NDA.
Reports from Mumbai add further intrigue, as MLAs from both the Shinde and Uddhav camps have been spotted meeting — sometimes even on camera — fueling a media frenzy and adding to the perception of an imminent political shift.
While the Congress remains a marginal player in the current power equations, the party is unusually active in Maharashtra’s political commentary. Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has been stoking speculation of a possible change in Delhi, linking it to the anticipated release of the Epstein files later this month — remarks that have opened a fresh front of political confrontation with the Modi government.
With alliances in flux and key players sending mixed signals, Maharashtra appears to be heading towards a high-voltage political churn, the contours of which may become clearer in the coming weeks.
[Writer is Senior Journalist and Political Commentator]
picture credit social media
Umakant Lakhera is a Senior Journalist and Political Commentator
