The political landscape in Maharashtra is set to alter dramatically in October’s assembly election with both major alliances breaking down on Thursday, just three weeks before the polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of its 25-year old alliance with the Shiv Sena while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ended its 15 year partnership with the Congress.
For the first time in over two decades, Maharashtra will see an election without tie-ups between major parties. It could now be a five way contest between the Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena, BJP and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Both the BJP and the NCP accused senior partners in the alliance of high-handedness. After its Lok Sabha success the BJP had demanded a larger share of seats and was no longer content with being the junior ally. The NCP also wanted a larger seat share after out-performing the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls. However, the Shiv Sena and the Congress maintain their allies were being obstructionist and adamant.
The bitterness between the former allies could well spill into the poll arena, with attempts to sabotage each other’s candidates. However State BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said, “We will have a friendly contest with the Shiv Sena and will not criticise them.”
The elections may well pave the way for new political alliances. In the post-poll scenario, there is speculation about whether the BJP will tie up with the NCP, a possibility denied by both parties. The MNS which was reduced to a non-entity during the Lok Sabha polls may now perform better and emerge as a potential ally. Finally, the old alliances may come together once again. At the moment, all options are open this election.
(With inputs from Omar Rashid & Alok Deshpande)
