Maharashtra: Five factors that led to Mahayuti's defeat

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024 - (Photo: ANI)

At the commencement of the Lok Sabha election process, Mahayuti (NDA) had set a target of 45 plus seats. Maharashtra being the state having second highest number of Lok Sabha seats (48) was important to achieve a firm majority for the government. However, the results have led to a big setback for the Mahayuti. The Mahayuti could fetch only less than half number of seats of its target. Let us have a look at the factors responsible for Mahayuti's dismal performance in Maharashtra.

1) Undercurrents of sympathy for Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar:

The split in the Shiv Sena in 2022 and in the NCP in 2023 didn't go down well with the electorates. Although the Election Commission recognised the rebel factions as the original parties and alloted them official party symbols, the voters saw Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray as victims of deceit.

2) Delayed announcement of candidates by NDA:

The disputes among the constituents of the NDA over seat sharing led to a delayed announcement of candidates. On seats like Nashik, South Mumbai, North West Mumbai and Thane, the names of candidates were announced just before the last date of filing nominations. This gave more time to the opponents for campaign.

3) The strategy of inducting "tainted" leaders backfired:

The strategy of inducting opposition leaders who were booked by central investigation agencies into the Mahayuti fold didn't go down well with the electorates. Calling a leader corrupt one day and taking him into the party on the next day dented the credibility of  Mahayuti. Inducting leaders like Ashok Chawan, Ajit Pawar, Bhavna Gawli, Pratap Sarnaik, Yamini Jadhav and others, whom the BJP targetted on charges of corruption earlier, proved to be of no help.

4) The Maratha agitation:

In Marathwada, the agitation of Maratha community for reservations in education and government jobs damaged Mahayuti. The region was epicentre of violence during the agitation. Certain outbursts by the OBC leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and Pankaja Munde added insult to the injury. On many seats the contests were seen as Maratha Vs OBC. The Mahayuti candidates had to face the ire of Maratha voters.

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5) Distressed farmers and drought:

Farmer's distressed played a vital role in regions like northern Maharashtra, western Maharashtra and Marathwada.

The onion farmers of the northern Maharashtra were agitated due to restrictions on exports whereas the farmers of Marathwada were demanding adequate monetary relief due to damage caused by drought and unseasonal rains.

Apart from the above factors, a general anti-incumbency damaged Mahayuti's' prospects. There was no wave or patriotic fervour like 2014 and 2019. The inauguration of Ram Mandir also failed to resonate with the voters of Maharashtra.