Maharashtra’s Political Evolution – Key

Maharashtra, once a Congress stronghold, has transformed into a complex political landscape. The state has a rich history marked by linguistic, social, and economic dynamics. About its evolution is vital for grasping contemporary politics in India.

Historical Context

Maharashtra’s political journey began with the demand for a united Marathi-speaking state in the 1920s. The Nagpur Pact in 1953 aimed to unite Bombay State, Vidarbha, and Marathwada. However, tensions between Marathi and Gujarati communities delayed this unification until 1960, when Maharashtra and Gujarat were officially formed.

Congress Dominance Post-Independence

After Independence, the Congress party dominated Maharashtra politics. In the first Assembly elections of 1951-52, Congress won an important majority. Morarji Desai became the first Chief Minister. However, political unrest grew, leading to protests and police violence during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.

Shifts in Power Dynamics

The late 1970s saw the rise of the Janata Party, leading to a fragmented political scene. Sharad Pawar’s exit from Congress in 1999 marked the formation of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), further complicating alliances. The NCP and Congress formed a coalition government after the 1999 elections, which lasted for 15 years.

Rise of Hindutva

The emergence of the Shiv Sena in the 1960s and its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reshaped Maharashtra’s politics. The 1995 elections marked an important shift as the Sena-BJP alliance formed the government. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 intensified communal tensions, strengthening the Hindutva narrative.

Recent Political Developments

The 2014 Assembly elections saw the BJP, under Narendra Modi’s influence, emerge as a dominant force. However, tensions between the BJP and Shiv Sena led to a political crisis post-2019 elections. The formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition included the Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, but this government was short-lived. Eknath Shinde’s breakaway faction allied with the BJP, leading to a new government formation.

Current Political Landscape

Today, Maharashtra’s political scene is characterised by shifting alliances and power struggles. The BJP and Shiv Sena continue to navigate their relationship while the Congress and NCP seek to regain influence. The state’s political future remains uncertain, reflecting broader trends in Indian politics.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the linguistic reorganisation of states on regional identities in India.
2. Estimate the role of the Congress party in shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape from independence to the 1990s.
3. Point out the factors that led to the rise of Hindutva politics in Maharashtra during the late 20th century.
4. What are the implications of coalition politics in Maharashtra’s governance? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the linguistic reorganisation of states on regional identities in India.

1. The linguistic reorganisation aimed to create states based on language, enhancing regional identity and cultural pride.
2. It led to the formation of states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, promoting local governance and representation.
3. Regional identities strengthened, as communities rallied around linguistic and cultural commonalities, encouraging state-level political movements.
4. Some regions experienced tension and conflict over boundaries, as seen in the Maharashtra-Gujarat bifurcation.
5. Overall, it contributed to a more federal structure, allowing states to cater to local needs and aspirations.

2. Estimate the role of the Congress party in shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape from independence to the 1990s.

1. Post-independence, Congress was the dominant political force, winning majorities in early elections and establishing a stable governance framework.
2. Key leaders like Morarji Desai and Yashwantrao Chavan shaped policies and developmental agendas, influencing socio-economic growth.
3. Despite initial dominance, the party faced challenges from regional movements and political unrest, particularly during the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
4. The party’s split in the late 1960s weakened its hold, leading to the rise of opposition factions and the Janata Party.
5. By the 1990s, Congress remained influential but faced important competition from emerging parties like Shiv Sena and BJP, reshaping its strategies.

3. Point out the factors that led to the rise of Hindutva politics in Maharashtra during the late 20th century.

1. The formation of Shiv Sena by Bal Thackeray in 1966 marked the beginning of organized Hindutva politics, focusing on regional Marathi identity.
2. The demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 acted as a catalyst, intensifying communal tensions and mobilizing Hindu sentiments.
3. Political alliances between Shiv Sena and BJP strengthened Hindutva’s influence, allowing them to capture power in the 1995 elections.
4. Socio-economic issues, such as unemployment and crime, were framed within a Hindutva narrative, appealing to voters seeking security and identity.
5. The decline of Congress and emergence of regional parties created a vacuum that Hindutva politics effectively filled, reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape.

4. What are the implications of coalition politics in Maharashtra’s governance? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Coalition politics have led to increased political instability, as seen in the 2019 elections where the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance faltered.
2. The formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition (Shiv Sena, Congress, NCP) illustrated the complexities of aligning diverse political ideologies.
3. Coalitions can facilitate broader representation, but they often result in compromises that may dilute policy effectiveness and governance.
4. Frequent shifts in alliances, like Eknath Shinde’s breakaway from Uddhav Thackeray, create uncertainty in governance and policy continuity.
5. Overall, coalition politics reflect the fragmented nature of Maharashtra’s political landscape, impacting decision-making and long-term planning.