Political Transition | By Rahi Bhide
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has long prided itself on being a party of discipline and ethics. Its leaders often project this image with great confidence. However, the reality on the ground especially in Maharashtra is far from this ideal. The BJP-led government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, despite enjoying a weak opposition, has faced more embarrassment from its own allies and ministers over the past eight months than from any political rival.
Now, as talks of a cabinet reshuffle gather pace, questions arise about whether this move will truly help contain the damage to the government's image or merely serve as a band-aid. Only time will tell.
Cabinet Rejig After Delhi's Hint
Soon after speculations of a cabinet reshuffle at the Centre following the monsoon session of Parliament, similar murmurs have now emerged in Maharashtra. With upcoming local body elections, a revamp of the state cabinet is likely, and it's being framed as part of a larger campaign to rebuild the government’s credibility.
Eight months into its tenure, the Fadnavis-led administration has already spent considerable time in power struggles, ministerial negotiations, and internal audits. Though an evaluation system was put in place to monitor department-wise performance, the last few months have seen reputational damage undo those efforts. This damage isn’t being caused by the opposition, but by the embarrassing conduct of ruling party leaders, MLAs, and ministers.
While BJP ministers fear the discipline of Modi and Fadnavis, their allies clearly do not. For example, Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde, who was earlier removed due to allegations, may now stage a comeback after receiving legal reprieve. Meanwhile, Minister Manikrao Kokate remains a persistent headache.
Manikrao Kokate: A Liability
Kokate has been embroiled in controversy for over a year from submitting false affidavits during property purchases, to insulting farmers, even calling the government itself "beggars." Though he faced legal penalties, he retained both his MLA status and his ministerial post a move that raised many eyebrows. A video of him playing rummy in the Assembly did the rounds recently, prompting public outrage and internal frustration within the government.
Despite Kokate dismissing talk of resignation, the tone from Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and NCP (Ajit faction) President Sunil Tatkare suggests otherwise. Pawar’s party is also under fire for violence by its functionaries. Similarly, a Shiv Sena MLA (Shinde group) was caught on video assaulting a canteen worker at the MLA hostel — and then justifying it.
BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar's supporters allegedly threatened and attacked NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad in the legislative complex. Despite this chaos, ministers continue to operate without clear accountability. Even after eight months, ministers of state haven’t been given proper powers.
Coalition of Chaos
With three parties sharing power BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar) tensions are unavoidable. Ministers from one faction openly accuse the others of withholding funds. Recently, a public spat broke out between Shiv Sena ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Madhuri Misal.
Another scandal involves Home Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, whose mother's dance bar in Mumbai was raided and women arrested. Additionally, Shambhuraj Desai, another Shiv Sena minister, was caught using threatening language toward a senior legislator on the Assembly floor.
In another shocking episode, a BJP functionary involved in an attack on Pravin Gaikwad of the Sambhaji Brigade was later seen accompanying Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule despite having criminal charges pending.
The “Masterstroke” in Motion
Given this spiraling chaos, sources say eight ministers may be dropped, including Kokate. Fadnavis has repeatedly claimed that performance would be the benchmark for ministerial positions. If he follows through, then a reshuffle based on merit is both appropriate and overdue.
In the backdrop of these events, Fadnavis recently flew to Delhi, where he held a 25-minute closed-door meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The discussion reportedly revolved around inter-party tensions, ministerial performance reviews, and upcoming electoral strategy. Names doing the rounds for possible removal include Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod, Yogesh Kadam, and Manikrao Kokate. Even senior figures like Girish Mahajan, Narhari Zirwal, and Bharat Gogawale are under scrutiny.
Internal Rivalries, External Pressures
The Mahayuti (Grand Alliance) is anything but united. Internal competition and dissatisfaction simmer between BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit). With local body elections approaching, Fadnavis knows that managing these rivalries will be crucial. Winning public trust is now a top priority, as the political landscape changes rapidly.
Just days ago, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray appeared on the same stage after two decades, sending tremors through the Mahayuti’s voter base. This reunion of the Thackeray cousins may force the alliance to redesign its strategy altogether.
Fadnavis is now tasked with a dual challenge managing the ambitions of alliance partners, while convincing the public of a development-focused agenda. His recent Delhi visit may turn out to be a decisive moment, setting off a series of faces being dropped and roles being reshuffled.
In short, the cabinet reshuffle is not just political housekeeping. It is an urgent attempt at damage control and reclaiming moral authority. The ministers on their way out may well be described as “hit wickets” victims of their own actions. The coming days will reveal whether Fadnavis’ masterstroke was strong enough to clean up the chaos or merely a curtain raiser for another act in Maharashtra’s political drama.
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