Eknath Shinde: Steering The Narrative Through Fragmented Political Landscape Of Maharashtra (image: facebook.com/mieknathshinde)

Thane, Maharashtra: As the Maharashtra election results will reveal ‘who is the real Shiv Sena’, and nothing but success is pertinent for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the ‘rebel’ Shiv Sena leader and his faction. Shinde’s revolt and the resultant vertical split of the Shiv Sena in 2022 have altered Maharashtra’s political equation significantly. The upcoming election will also answer Maharashtra’s verdict over Shinde’s decision.

Though the Mahayuti government is in power, the next election will be a real litmus test over their decision. Meanwhile, Shinde appears confident of alliance’s victory in the election. “We are very confident. We are running on our record of development, not on false narratives like the opposition. Maharashtra has changed, both in terms of infrastructure and socioeconomic development. We have prioritised people-centric development and long-term planning for the future of the state’s citizens,” Shinde told The Week.

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Shinde is contesting from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency of Thane. He has been representing the constituency since 2009 and was formerly the legislator of the Thane Assembly segment from 2004 to 2009. In the current polls, he is fielded against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Kedar Dighe. Dighe is the nephew of Thane strongman and Shinde’s mentor late Anand Dighe.

Shinde’s life story from working in a beer brewery, driving an autorickshaw, and doing small jobs to becoming a powerful politician and helming the chief ministerial post of Maharashtra is a journey of steadfastness and dedication. It was during the ’80s that he started his association with the Shiv Sena. He became a Sena branch head in Thane, and his closeness to then Thane district Sena president Anand Dighe molded his political career and personality. His mentorship had a decisive influence for Shinde in finding his place in the party and shaping his character as a powerful politician. When Shinde suffered personal loss in 2000, when he lost two of his children in a boating accident, it was Dighe who brought him back from the dark phase to active politics.

Shinde’s debut electoral success was in 1997, when he got elected as a corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation. After Dighe’s death in 2001, Shinde took over the responsibility of Sena’s Thane unit. His efficient handling of party affairs and commitment translated into electoral success in the successive assembly polls.

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Though not a man of oratorial excellence, Shinde is well-known as a tactician and accessible leader. He acts as a strong link between the BJP and Sena and solves the differences between the two parties. Close to the top leaders of the saffron party, Shinde makes political arrangements and communications easier. Also, most importantly, the fellow politicians and leaders consider Shinde the most approachable leader, unlike the Thackerays. Shinde claims him to be the legitimate political heir of Bal Thackeray. Counting the welfare schemes, the Shinde faction is seeking votes. However,  the sympathy towards the Thackeray faction, criticism of being a BJP pawn, and internal issues within the alliances will be some of the critical points Shinde has to encounter in this crucial election.