The battle for dominance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections has reached its final stages, with the MahaYuti alliance (BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP) and the MVA coalition (Congress-NCP-UBT Shiv Sena) vying for victory. Marathwada, a politically significant region, presents a critical test for the ruling alliance.
Issues such as inadequate support prices for agricultural produce, the ongoing Maratha reservation demand, and regional party splits have posed challenges for the MahaYuti alliance. However, welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin and the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir have garnered some positive responses.
Impact of Maratha Quota Agitation
The Maratha community, constituting 28% of Maharashtra’s population, has been fighting for reservation in education and jobs. Manoj Jarange Patil, a prominent Maratha activist from Marathwada, commands a significant following among the Maratha youth. While Patil has not endorsed any specific party, he has urged voters to defeat those opposing Maratha reservations. This sentiment could negatively impact the MahaYuti alliance, as anger towards the ruling coalition is evident among Maratha youth. However, with Maratha leaders present across parties, their votes might split, diluting the overall impact.
Farmers’ Distress
Farmers in drought-prone Marathwada have expressed frustration over low support prices for key crops like cotton and soybeans. Despite this, some farmers appreciate welfare schemes initiated by the MahaYuti government, such as direct cash transfers for women. For instance, Sunil Gaikwad, a private employee and a staunch BJP supporter, praised initiatives like the Ram Mandir construction and the abrogation of Article 370. However, he voiced concerns over low soybean prices, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers.
Regional Party Splits
The splits within regional parties also influence voter sentiment in Marathwada. While some farmers favor Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s welfare initiatives, they criticize his role in splitting the Shiv Sena. Traditional Shiv Sena loyalists resent Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray and believe he should have formed his own party instead.
In Marathwada’s 46 Assembly constituencies, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are contesting 16 seats each. The electoral preferences of the region's voters will play a decisive role in shaping the future of both factions.
