The Shiv Sena has conceded more seats to BJP, agreeing to play second fiddle in Maharashtra elections. This marks a new beginning, where BJP’s allies must accept its dominance or risk perishing in opposition. But one party’s pre-eminence risks hurting India’s federal polity and isn’t ideal for a diverse democracy.
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In Maharashtra, even more than in Haryana, the Congress, in alliance with the NCP, ought to have given a far better account of itself. Between 1999 and 2004, this one ATM kept the party afloat, positioning it for the fortuitous victory over Vajpayeeji. To allow the party to wither away so soon, losing its LoP, shows a wobbly high command. India needs a vibrant Opposition but one is not sure a Congress in thrall to the Gandhi family is in any position to provide it. And all this at a time of universal economic pain and overall lacklustre governance.
Except while campaigning against the Shiv Sena, the CM has never spoken a word out of turn against his alliance partner. By contrast, the SS has kept a running commentary against the government and its alliance partner, including editorials in Saamna. Having been humbled 1 : 2 in the previous Assembly election, the Sena ought to have accepted its diminished status with more grace. In the BMC, the BJP has been generous to it, despite almost having equalled its tally. 2. A lot will now depend on how well Mr Aaditya Thackeray shapes up in governance as Dy C M. In Delhi, the alliance partners are like window dressing. Painful, but the ruling party plays very hardball.