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The political landscape of Maharashtra has witnessed a significant shift in power dynamics, with Vidarbha, a region in the state, now wielding considerable influence. This shift is evident in the prominence of top leaders from Vidarbha in both the Congress and BJP, the two major political parties in the state. This development is a stark contrast to the situation a decade ago, when leaders from other regions, particularly western Maharashtra, held a dominant position in state politics.
The Congress party, currently in opposition in Maharashtra, has seen the rise of Vidarbha leaders. Nana Patole, the state president of the Congress, and Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, both hail from Vidarbha. Furthermore, the recent appointment of Mukul Wasnik and Avinash Pande, both general secretaries of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and from Nagpur, as senior election coordinators for the upcoming assembly polls strengthens the presence of Vidarbha leaders within the party's decision-making structures. Although these leaders exert significant influence in candidate selection, there are reportedly tensions between Wasnik and Pande on one side and Wadettiwar and Patole on the other.
The BJP, currently in power in Maharashtra, also reflects the growing influence of Vidarbha leaders. Devendra Fadnavis, the state's Deputy Chief Minister and a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, is from Vidarbha, as is Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the state party president. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, though not actively involved in state politics, retains a strong base in Vidarbha and plays a key role in campaigning efforts. The BJP's strong presence in Vidarbha is further cemented by the fact that Nagpur houses the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a powerful Hindu nationalist organization that significantly influences the party's electoral strategies.
The rise of Vidarbha in Maharashtra politics is attributed to a combination of factors. Some sources suggest that the BJP's dominance in the region, coupled with the growing prominence of leaders like Fadnavis and Gadkari since 2014, has contributed to its increased influence. Others point to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur as a major factor, highlighting its role in finalizing candidates and coordinating electoral strategies. The growing political power of Vidarbha has led to a shift in the political landscape of Maharashtra, with leaders from western Maharashtra now looking to Nagpur for approval and support.
The changing power dynamics in Maharashtra politics have implications for the future of the state. It remains to be seen how this new power structure will impact the decision-making processes and the electoral landscape of the state. The increasing influence of Vidarbha leaders in both the Congress and BJP signifies a shift in the balance of power, with the region now playing a pivotal role in shaping the political future of Maharashtra.
Source: Shifting dynamics: Vidarbha netas now hold Maharashtra power strings