5 Big Challenges Before Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Aamir Wadwan

Mumbai, 1st July 2022: Eknath Shinde has got the post of Chief Minister in Maharashtra, but now the challenge before him will be to build stature and status by honestly carrying out the responsibilities that come with the post of CM.

While walking on this path, a CM has to go through all kinds of tests every day. The BJP has given Shinde the seat of CM, not based on the strength in numbers he has, but rather as a strategic political move. 

The five big challenges before CM Eknath Shinde:

1. Proving himself to be a real Shiv Sainik 

 Eknath Shinde rebelled against Shiv Sena and destabilized the Mahavikas Aghadi government. The rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena were camping in Guwahati till the long political drama was over and the BJP finally formed the government with them. 

Surprisingly, Shinde was given the post of CM. While taking oath as CM, Shinde mentioned Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and his political mentor Anand Dighe. It is believed that with this move, he has taken a step towards proving himself as the real Shiv Sainik. He also has a large number of Shiv Sena MLAs to his side. Despite all this, it remains a question whether he will be able to challenge the legacy of the Thackeray family.

2. Making the cadre his own

Shinde may have more Shiv Sena MLAs than Uddhav Thackeray, but it will not be easy for him to make a place in the hearts of common Shiv Sainiks. It was seen recently when the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs turned away, there were protests at different places in Maharashtra. During this, the offices of Shiv Sena MLAs were also vandalized at various places. At the same time, Shinde’s posters were also torn. It will be interesting to see how Shinde will try to establish himself as a popular face among common Shiv Sainiks in the coming times.

3. Maintaining good relations with the BJP 

In addition to running the government as Chief Minister, Shinde will also have to take special care of coordination and relations with the BJP. Shinde will have messed-up chemistry with Uddhav Thackeray and his path ahead might prove to be very difficult. Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy CM is considered very smart and a slight mistake may lead to Shinde losing the CM’s chair. It will also spoil the relationship with the strong BJP.

4. Proving to be a good CM

Shinde will have to carry out all the responsibilities honestly as the CM of Maharashtra. He has to prove himself as a good Chief Minister for the state after Uddhav Thackeray set examples in two and a half years. Shinde has to show how much better he can perform than Thackeray. Apart from this, he will also have to prove that he is not a puppet of the Deputy CM.

5. Preparing Himself for Future Elections As Well

Along with handling the government and administration, Shinde also has to keep in mind that many important elections are in the coming future. First, the challenge of BMC elections will be in front of him and then the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. After passing them, the next assembly elections of Maharashtra will be held in which Shinde will have to prove himself afresh as neither his image nor future will be at stake.