Maharashtra politics: Signs of a new equation between CM Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray
Sources told News18 Hindi that during one such meeting held in a hotel, Fadnavis offered Thackeray a chance to join hands in the state assembly. These developments are being closely watched, as both sides seem to be inching closer after months of political distance.
Shinde camp feels the heat
The growing closeness between BJP and the Thackeray faction has reportedly made the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena uneasy. Sensing a shift, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is currently in Delhi, seeking a meeting with top BJP leaders to understand the situation. His son, MP Shrikant Shinde, has also requested time to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but a meeting has yet to be scheduled.
Strained ties between Fadnavis and Shinde
Since forming the new government in 2024, tensions have often surfaced between Fadnavis and Shinde. Shinde has pushed hard for key roles — first the chief minister’s post, then departments like the Home and Urban Development ministries, and later over the appointment of guardian ministers and coordination with the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
The report suggested that Fadnavis is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the constant back-and-forth. In contrast, his working relationship with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is reportedly smoother. Fadnavis has publicly called Pawar “the most mature” among the three leaders — himself, Shinde, and Pawar — and praised his political experience.
BMC elections a key factor
The upcoming BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) elections are also playing a big role in this political shift. Control of Mumbai’s civic body is a major prize. The Thackeray faction currently holds a majority in the BMC and performed strongly in Mumbai during the last assembly polls. The faction has 20 MLAs, many from Mumbai, and 9 Lok Sabha MPs — three of whom also represent the city.
In this context, aligning with the Thackeray faction could give the BJP three major advantages:
- A stronger chance at winning the BMC elections.
- Greater freedom for Fadnavis within the state government.
- Additional support at the Centre through Uddhav’s nine MPs.
‘Reverse Operation Lotus’?
Political observers are calling this potential move “Reverse Operation Lotus”. In 2022, Shinde’s rebellion split the Shiv Sena and brought down Thackeray’s government — a move seen as part of the BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ strategy. Back then, BJP accepted Shinde as CM despite having more MLAs, with Fadnavis stepping down to become Deputy CM.
But the situation has changed. BJP now feels less dependent on Shinde’s support and may be preparing to reclaim control — this time by bringing Thackeray back into the fold. If this alliance takes shape, it could reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape once again.
