With only 40 out of 288 members of the Maharashtra Assembly supporting him, Eknath Shinde stunned the country in 2022 by becoming chief minister. This political storm caused the Shiv Sena to split and the Thackeray family to be ousted; it was also one of the most important rebellions in the party’s history. A tale of tenacity, drive, ambition, and street smarts, Shinde rose from the lowest level of Thane autorickshaw driving to the highest level of Maharashtra politics.
The initial challenges in Thane
Kisannagar, a small place in Thane with a Marathi majority, was the birthplace of Eknath Shinde. Shinde had to drop out of school halfway through his freshman year because he was born into a poor family. He started as a labourer and eventually became an autorickshaw driver to help support his family. Because his income was so uncertain, he often went days without petrol because he couldn’t afford it. Later in life, Shinde’s skill at navigating the political maze would be a metaphor for his extensive familiarity with Thane’s streets from his time as an autorickshaw driver. He is one politician who has seen the lowest and the highest, unlike many who have risen from a political platter.
Anand Dighe’s Mentorship & Training
Shinde’s political career got its start when the legendary Thane Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe mentored him. Dighe, who was audacious and imposing in stature, saw Shinde’s leadership potential in a meeting to resolve a local conflict. Despite the risks and controversy that would accompany the position, he convinced Shinde to accept it and become a Shiv Sena branch chief. Shinde took the risk and eventually became Dighe’s most trusted aide.
Turning Point
While on a boating trip in Satara in 2000, Shinde’s two children, Dipesh, 11, and Shubhada, 7, drowned. It was a terrible personal loss for him. After suffering such a devastating life situation, Shinde decided to withdraw from public view. Fortunately, Anand Dighe stepped in and suggested that he use his sorrow to help others. After taking Dighe up on his suggestion, Shinde immersed himself in politics and social service, rising to the position of Thane Municipal Corporation chief. He kept his office open late into the night to handle public issues. He became accessible to common people, and that led to his position in people’s hearts.
Increasing clout in politics
Shinde’s rise through the ranks of the Shiv Sena was characterised by his social activities and connections to the grassroots. Known as the “Robin Hood” character in Thane, he helped out during the 2019 Kerala floods and the COVID-19 pandemic by donating medical aid and coordinating relief activities. He became a widely respected leader whose impact reached far beyond his immediate area. His gracious nature and the choice to be available to the needy made him a hero.
Shinde was first elected to the Thane Assembly in 2004 and was victorious. He rose to popularity within the Shiv Sena after being re-elected several times. In spite of the party’s occasionally contentious positions—like targeting Muslims or North Indians—Shinde avoided polarising politics and made sure his base was secure and inclusive.
Disagreements among Shiv Sena
Shinde’s dissatisfaction with the Shiv Sena leadership intensified throughout the MVA coalition administration. A staunch believer in Balasaheb Thackeray felt suffocated by the congress interference. Even though he was appointed Minister of Urban Development—a crucial ministry typically held by the Chief Minister—he thought that Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, was undermining him. Discord arose as a result of Aaditya’s participation in Shinde’s ministry, which included making important public pronouncements and decisions. In addition, Shinde despised the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) hegemony in government, which he saw as a danger to the Shiv Sena’s chances of winning future elections. Uddhav Thackeray was too busy to meet his party workers and did not feel the need to address major concerns raised by Eknath Shindeji.
The other MLAs agreed with Shinde’s complaints, particularly those regarding the NCP’s attempts to win support in Shiv Sena strongholds. Many party members also felt alienated from Uddhav Thackeray because of his aloof demeanour and his dependence on a small circle of advisors. Sanjay Raut has been working on weakening Shiv Sena on the instructions of Mr. Sharad Pawar since 2012. He also played a major role in creating situations of disrespect and humiliation for Eknath Shinde and the other party MLAs trying to share their ordeal.
Uprising and its aftermath
Before moving on to Assam and Goa, Shinde launched a mutiny on June 21, 2022, with 40 MLAs following him. As a result of this action, the Shiv Sena-led MVA government collapsed, and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was forced to step down. With the backing of the BJP, Shinde became the chief minister of Maharashtra, and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis became his deputy.
In due course, the Election Commission acknowledged Shinde’s group as the authentic Shiv Sena and bestowed upon them the party’s famous bow-and-arrow emblem. This was the last stage on Shinde’s path from devoted party worker to head of a faction claiming to carry Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy forward.
Shinde’s Tenure
The Mahayuti alliance needs a certain amount of votes to secure a majority in the state legislature. A second consideration is whether Shinde’s Shiv Sena must secure the most alliance seats. Nevertheless, Shinde’s prospects of becoming chief minister diminish if the BJP emerges as the single largest party, given it has contested more seats. On the other hand, anything can happen in Maharashtra politics, and the past five years have shown that. We have seen earlier that willpower and ambition can win any political battle. While people may think that this was it for Shinde, there is a high chance he will serve another five-year term as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and continue the current teamwork with Shri Devendra Fadnavisji. While we think that its the end of Shinde tenure, it could be the beginning of a new Shinde tenure with more power and speedy developments.
