Political Unrest in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray’s Congress-NCP Alliance Sparks Public Discontent

Uddhav Thackeray, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, I now seemingly facing a difficult political position due to the decision to align with Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), as being stated in the media. This move, seen by many as opportunistic, has sparked widespread criticism across Maharashtra. Many citizens feel let down by Thackeray’s departure from his party’s traditional alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

A Major Shift in the 2019 Elections

During the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance secured a majority, with BJP winning 105 seats and Shiv Sena 56. Together, they commanded 161 seats—enough to form a government. However, in a surprising twist, Uddhav Thackeray broke ties with BJP and formed a coalition with Congress and NCP to claim the Chief Minister’s seat. This move, reportedly, motivated by personal ambition, drew immediate backlash. Aligning with Congress, a party traditionally opposed to Shiv Sena’s ideology, raised doubts about his leadership. Throughout his tenure, Thackeray struggled to engage effectively in government affairs and faced criticism for his limited participation in parliamentary proceedings, leading many to question his suitability for the role.

Tensions and Strategic Miscalculations

The alliance with Congress and NCP has been fraught with internal conflicts for Uddhav Thackeray. While he hoped to strengthen his party through this partnership, Congress and NCP leaders, particularly Sharad Pawar, have seemingly benefited more, leaving Shiv Sena sidelined. Thackeray’s unilateral decisions, such as selecting candidates without consulting Congress, deepened the rift. His backing of his secretary in elections also irritated Pawar, isolating Thackeray further. All of this has been highlighted in the media time and again gaining momentum.

Congress and NCP’s Strategy

It appears Congress and NCP’s strategy is to weaken Uddhav Thackeray’s hold over Shiv Sena while positioning themselves more favorably for future elections. As Thackeray becomes more marginalized, key figures within his party have begun to shift their loyalty to Congress and NCP, further weakening his influence. Allegations, such as those from activist Manoj Jarange Patil, have also surfaced, accusing Thackeray of misusing power—a claim some speculate was influenced by Sharad Pawar, adding to the growing strains within the alliance.

A Risky Move with Unintended Consequences

Thackeray’s choice to part ways with BJP and join forces with Congress and NCP has backfired significantly. The partners he counted on are now working to erode his political standing. The media and the people thinks that his leadership gamble has led to divisions within Shiv Sena, lost support, and mounting criticism from both within and outside his coalition.