2029 preparation or power politics? Shinde push revives Mahayuti leadership debate

Political discussions over the Chief Minister's post within Maharashtra's Mahayuti alliance have resurfaced after Shiv Sena leader and MLC Bachchu Kadu openly expressed his desire to see Eknath Shinde return as Chief Minister. Kadu also announced that he would tour the state ahead of the 2029 Assembly elections to take Shinde's ideology to the people.

Speaking to reporters in Amravati, Kadu praised both Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Describing Shinde as the "Chief Minister of people's hearts", he also hailed Fadnavis's political capabilities at the national level and said he wished to see him rise to the country's top leadership position. Kadu's remarks are being seen as an attempt to maintain a balance while clearly advocating for Shinde's leadership.

Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar strongly endorsed Kadu's stand, saying that a majority of the party's MLAs want Shinde to return as Chief Minister. Sattar, who has earlier expressed resentment towards the BJP for allegedly weakening Shiv Sena's political base, added fresh momentum to the leadership debate within the ruling alliance.

Responding to the comments, Eknath Shinde sought to play down any suggestion of discord. He said that party workers and MLAs may have their own sentiments, but the Mahayuti government is functioning with a strong sense of teamwork. Shinde stressed that there are currently no discussions on the Chief Minister's post and that the government's focus remains on development rather than power politics.

Meanwhile, the BJP is reportedly unhappy with Kadu's remarks. Although BJP leaders have refrained from commenting publicly, sources indicate that the party has conveyed its displeasure privately to the Chief Minister. Despite Shinde's efforts to strike a conciliatory note, repeated statements by leaders such as Kadu and Sattar are keeping the leadership question at the centre of Mahayuti's political discourse.

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