Maharashtra Assembly Elections: The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections could significantly reshape the political landscape, particularly for the leaders of the split factions within Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The stakes are particularly high for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ajit Pawar (NCP), and Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP). The November 20 election outcome will not only determine the balance of power but also impact the political futures of these leaders.Maharashtras politics has seen major shifts, rebirthsIn the last five years, Maharashtra has witnessed intense political shifts, with alliances breaking and parties fracturing. The state saw a major upheaval as leaders defected, alliances shifted, and a faction leader with fewer MLAs rose to become the chief minister. Now, with the assembly elections on the horizon, these realignments face a crucial test.After the Lok Sabha elections, where the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance fared better than the ruling Mahayuti (BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP), the assembly polls are set to be the decisive battleground. The results on November 23 will cement the future of several political heavyweights, especially within the Shiv Sena and NCP factions.The factions face-off: Shiv Senas Shinde vs ThackerayEknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, now representing separate Shiv Sena factions, will contest head-to-head in 53 constituencies. Among these, 44 current MLAs originally supported Thackeray in the 2019 elections before Shindes faction broke away, claiming to represent the majoritys wish. The Thackeray faction is determined to reclaim its influence, urging voters to “teach the traitors a lesson.”Key battles will unfold in Kopri-Pachpakhadi, where Shinde faces Uddhavs candidate Kedar Dighe, and in Worli, where Shindes faction challenges Uddhavs son, Aaditya Thackeray. The results on these 53 seats will likely shape Shiv Senas trajectory for years to come.NCPs internal rivalry: Sharad Pawar vs Ajit PawarThe NCP also faces a deep internal struggle, with Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar leading opposing factions. The two are directly contesting each other in 36 seats. Following Ajit Pawars defection in July 2023, 40 NCP MLAs sided with him.However, Sharad Pawar, though older, has mobilized significant support, focusing on the NCPs base in Marathwada and western Maharashtra. In a strategic move, he fielded his great-nephew Yugendra Pawar against Ajit in Baramati, intensifying the personal dimension of their rivalry.
