Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, reflected on his political journey during a book launch event in Mumbai, highlighting his return to power in 2022 after what he described as "breaking two parties" and, notably, bringing along "two friends" with him.
Addressing the audience, Fadnavis delved into the significance of his "I will be back" statement, originally made during the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections campaign. He emphasized that while the statement was part of a broader vision for transforming Maharashtra, it unexpectedly garnered widespread attention, evolving into a memorable catchphrase that resonated across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Fadnavis acknowledged that his return to power took considerable time and effort, spanning two-and-a-half years. However, upon his triumphant return, he asserted that it was achieved through strategic political maneuvering, symbolized by the dissolution of two political entities while simultaneously forging new alliances.
Specifically, in June 2022, Eknath Shinde's departure from Shiv Sena to align with the BJP resulted in a seismic shift in Maharashtra's political landscape. This rupture within Shiv Sena led to the formation of a new government, with Shinde assuming the role of Chief Minister and Fadnavis serving as his Deputy.
The ensuing split within Shiv Sena solidified Shinde's faction as the official party, slated to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections under the iconic 'Bow and Arrow' symbol.
Further complicating the political dynamics, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) experienced internal strife when Ajit Pawar's defection to the ruling alliance caused the party to split into two factions in July of the preceding year.
Fadnavis's narrative underscores the intricate interplay of alliances, defections, and strategic moves that characterize the political landscape of Maharashtra, wherein the ebb and flow of power dynamics continually shape the state's political trajectory.
