For the Mahayuti, the EVM could well stand for ‘Enormous Voting for Mahayuti,’ a testament to its ability to win the confidence of the people.
New Delhi: The political landscape of Maharashtra has witnessed a seismic shift with the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, achieving a historic victory in the state elections. Once again, the Opposition’s favourite scapegoat, the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), has been dragged into controversy. However, the victory of the Mahayuti is far less about alleged manipulation and far more about strategic planning, unification of nationalist forces, consolidation of votes, and a clear focus on the future of Maharashtra.
For the Mahayuti, the EVM could well stand for “Enormous Voting for Mahayuti,” a testament to its ability to win the confidence of the people. While the Opposition indulges in its repetitive rhetoric about the alleged unreliability of EVMs, it is essential to analyse how the Mahayuti triumphed through a combination of political acumen, strategic alliances, and a clear developmental roadmap.
No analysis of the Mahayuti’s triumph in Maharashtra would be complete without acknowledging the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brand of politics. PM Modi’s governance model, which combines development with nationalism, has consistently resonated with voters across India, and Maharashtra was no exception.
His emphasis on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (together with all, development for all, trust of all, and efforts by all) served as an overarching narrative that complemented the Mahayuti’s regional strategy. Modi’s ability to connect with the masses through his speeches, his unwavering focus on development, and his portrayal of India as a global leader instilled confidence among voters with his “Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain” clarion call to the people of Maharashtra to remain united and focused on socio-economic development.
Moreover, Modi’s image as a decisive and incorruptible leader further solidified the Mahayuti’s appeal, especially among urban and middle-class voters. The combination of his national popularity and the Mahayuti’s localised strategies created a synergy that propelled the alliance to its historic victory.
In essence, PM Modi’s brand of politics acted as the glue that held the Mahayuti together and inspired confidence among Maharashtrians, reinforcing their belief that the alliance would deliver stability, development, and a brighter future for the state.
One of the most significant contributors to the Mahayuti’s success is the unprecedented political alignment of the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP. The coalition, though surprising to many, has proven to be a masterstroke, uniting ideologies that were once at loggerheads but are now working towards a common goal.
The BJP’s role as the backbone of this alliance cannot be overstated. With its vast organisational machinery, robust cadre base, and a history of effective electoral strategies, the BJP successfully harmonised the diverse elements of the Mahayuti. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena brought with it grassroots-level support in urban and semi-urban areas, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction ensured the consolidation of Maratha and OBC votes in rural Maharashtra.
The Mahayuti’s victory also underscores the success of the BJP’s long-standing strategy to consolidate Hindu votes with its slogan “Batenge Toh Katenge” and “Ek Hain Toh Safe Hain”. The party, along with its allies, effectively addressed concerns about identity, cultural pride, and security, resonating deeply with a significant portion of the electorate.
By positioning itself as the protector of Hindu interests while promoting inclusive governance, the alliance created a sense of unity among diverse Hindu communities. From outreach programs to socio-religious initiatives, the Mahayuti effectively neutralised caste-based politics, ensuring that traditional divisions within the Hindu electorate did not fragment the vote.
While identity politics played a role, the Mahayuti’s emphasis on development was pivotal in winning over voters. The BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Devendra Fadnavis’ groundwork in the state, emphasised socio-economic progress, infrastructural development, and job creation.
Major initiatives, such as the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway), the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, and the Mumbai Metro expansion, showcased the alliance’s commitment to modernising Maharashtra’s infrastructure. Additionally, the government’s schemes for farmers, such as direct benefit transfers and irrigation projects and for women helped gain rural support.
Urban voters, on the other hand, were drawn to the BJP’s vision of transforming cities into global hubs of investment and innovation. This combination of rural welfare and urban modernisation created a winning narrative that resonated across demographics.
Another critical factor behind the Mahayuti’s success is its ability to present itself as a coalition of nationalist forces with a common vision for Maharashtra and India. By aligning with Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, the Mahayuti not only disrupted the Opposition but also showcased its ability to reconcile differences in the national interest.
This unification was a significant blow to the Opposition’s narrative of division within the alliance. The Mahayuti’s emphasis on nationalism, combined with a commitment to regional pride, allowed it to connect with voters who were seeking stability, strength, and a forward-looking leadership.
In the aftermath of the Mahayuti’s victory, the Opposition will predictably resort to questioning the credibility of EVMs. This tired excuse has become a recurring theme in Indian politics, often used to divert attention from a lack of strategy, vision, and grassroots connect.
The Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, rather than introspecting on their electoral failures, have chosen to undermine the democratic process by blaming EVMs. Such allegations not only lack substantive evidence but also insult the intelligence of the electorate, who have clearly expressed their preference for the Mahayuti’s governance model.
The fact remains that elections are won on the ground, not in boardrooms or media conferences. The Opposition’s inability to present a cohesive vision or a united front has left them grasping at straws. In contrast, the Mahayuti’s disciplined and focused campaign demonstrated that winning the hearts and minds of voters requires more than empty rhetoric.
The Mahayuti’s victory is not just a mandate for the present but a vote of confidence in its vision for the future of Maharashtra. With the alliance promising to make the state a powerhouse of economic growth, innovation, and cultural resurgence, voters have placed their faith in its ability to deliver.
From the digital transformation of governance to fostering entrepreneurship and investment, the Mahayuti’s roadmap focuses on creating opportunities for the youth, empowering women, and ensuring equitable development. The alliance’s plans to address climate change, improve healthcare, and enhance education further underscore its commitment to holistic progress.
The Mahayuti’s success in Maharashtra is a reflection of its ability to combine strategic alliances, developmental initiatives, and a unifying vision. While the opposition continues to cry foul over EVMs, it is clear that the victory was not a result of manipulation but of meticulous planning and execution.
The BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have proven that when nationalist forces unite, they can overcome political fragmentation and deliver results that resonate with the electorate. Maharashtra has chosen progress over pessimism, vision over vacillation, and unity over division.
In the end, the only manipulation at play was the Mahayuti’s ability to strategically manoeuvre its strengths, address the aspirations of the people, and present a compelling vision for a prosperous Maharashtra. EVMs may have recorded the votes, but it was the Mahayuti’s governance, leadership, and foresight that ensured those votes translated into an unprecedented mandate.
Savio Rodrigues is the founder and editor-in-chief of Goa Chronicle.