Civic polls win to attracting investments: Devendra Fadnavis' thorny path as Maharashtra CM

Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra CM at a grand event in Mumbai on December 5. (Courtesy: PTI photo)

Devendra Fadnavis has once again occupied the hot seat of Maharashtra with the Mahayuti back in power. However, his current tenure as Chief Minister is unlikely to be a cakewalk.

These are the five key challenges before Fadnavis:

1. Distribution of portfolios

The immediate challenge before Fadnavis is the distribution of portfolios among the three constituent parties of the Mahayuti. Although Eknath Shinde has agreed to become the Deputy CM, he remains adamant about securing the Home Ministry, which the BJP is reluctant to part with. The allocation of other key portfolios such as Urban Development, Revenue, and Housing Development is also a contentious issue.

2. Continuation of Ladki Bahin Yojna

It remains unclear how a debt-ridden state like Maharashtra will sustain the monthly payout scheme for women in the coming days. Moreover, the Mahayuti, in its manifesto, has promised to increase the monthly payout from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. In addition to this women-oriented scheme, there are several farmer- and youth-focused schemes that have further strained the state's coffers.

3. Attracting investments to the state

The current government's target is to elevate Maharashtra's economy to $1 trillion and boost the state's GDP. To achieve this, Fadnavis must enhance Maharashtra's image as an investment-friendly destination. Attracting more investments is also crucial for countering the MVA's narrative that major investment opportunities are migrating to neighbouring Gujarat.

4. Winning civic body polls

Elections for over a dozen civic bodies, including the BMC—the richest of them all—are pending and are expected to take place in the next two to three months. The onus will be on Fadnavis to secure victories in most of these elections and install a BJP Mayor in the BMC. However, he must tread carefully, considering the aspirations of ally Shiv Sena.

5. Keeping the Mahayuti intact

While relations with the NCP seem smooth, the same cannot be said for the Shiv Sena. The tantrums thrown by Eknath Shinde before the swearing-in ceremony indicate that the BJP's relationship with the Shiv Sena is likely to be volatile. Many recall that during his first term, Fadnavis adopted an autocratic style of governance, which was opposed by ministers from the undivided Shiv Sena at the time. However, such a style of functioning will be challenging now, given Eknath Shinde's self-assertive attitude.