Maharashtra Crowns Chhatrapati Again!

As a journalist, I’ve often questioned the media’s tendency to overlook the public’s voice. We chase stories of politics, crime, and business but seldom take the time to stay in tune with the people’s pulse. This gap leaves us blind to the undercurrents that shape elections. Maharashtra’s recent assembly election laid this disconnect bare, where voters delivered a resounding verdict rooted in governance, identity, and legacy.  

For me, the results symbolised the resurgence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals over the lingering shadows of Aurangzeb’s era. With over 65% voter turnout, the Mahayuti alliance stormed to victory, securing 236 seats—a mandate that went beyond politics. It felt like a cultural reckoning, a collective response to the challenges facing Hindu unity and identity.  

Two incidents stood out in shaping this election’s narrative. First, the alleged misuse of Waqf Board land, which sparked outrage over systemic appeasement at the cost of Hindu communities. Then came the chilling reports of Hindu genocide in Bangladesh, stories that struck a deep chord with voters already concerned about cultural vulnerabilities.  

These issues didn’t just create headlines; they fuelled a sense of urgency among the electorate, reinforcing the Mahayuti's promise to protect India’s cultural and civilisational ethos. The urgency found its voice in slogans like Ek Hai Toh Safe Hain and Batenge Toh Katenge. The former resonated as a call for unity, while the latter warned against division, capturing the electorate’s mood with stark clarity.  

Reflecting on Maharashtra and Haryana, I sense a broader shift. Many voters seem to regret not giving Narendra Modi’s government a landslide in the last Lok Sabha elections. This sentiment is shaping electoral outcomes, and Maharashtra was no exception.  

Yet, the BJP isn’t rushing to claim all the credit. While Eknath Shinde now serves as Chief Minister, the BJP’s focus remains long-term. Amit Shah’s statement about waiting five years for a BJP majority is telling. The party seems content with strengthening alliances, methodically eroding the influence of Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.  

Uddhav Thackeray, in my view, has struggled to maintain the firebrand legacy of his father, Balasaheb Thackeray. Balasaheb’s political journey was one of patient groundwork and strategic foresight. When he founded the Shiv Sena in 1966, it began as a movement advocating for the rights of Maharashtrians in Mumbai. Over the next two decades, Balasaheb meticulously expanded the party’s reach, focusing on grassroots mobilisation and building a robust cadre.  

It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that the Shiv Sena transformed into a pan-Maharashtra force, appealing to a broader voter base with its emphasis on Hindutva and Marathi identity. Balasaheb’s ability to connect with people through fiery oratory and an unflinching stand on cultural issues made the Sena a formidable political player.  

Uddhav, however, seems to lack his father’s charisma and strategic instincts. His faction appears directionless, with defections to Raj Thackeray’s MNS seeming inevitable. Raj, meanwhile, seems to have learned from Balasaheb’s playbook, adopting a patient approach. By fielding over 100 candidates in this election, Raj has kept the MNS visible, laying the groundwork for a potential revival.  

This election wasn’t just about votes—it was a referendum on unity versus division. Maharashtra sent a clear warning to those perceived as the Panchmakkar—Maoists, media, mullahs, missionaries, and Macaulay’s children. The overwhelming support for the Mahayuti alliance underscored a collective resistance to forces seen as destabilising Hindu solidarity.  

The slogans Ek Hai Toh Safe Hain and Batenge Toh Katenge captured this sentiment perfectly. They weren’t just campaign lines but expressions of a broader struggle to preserve a cultural identity under pressure.  

As I reflect on this election, one lesson stands out: the importance of engaging deeply with the public. We, in the media, must do more than chase headlines. We must listen, understand, and amplify the stories that shape people’s realities.  

Maharashtra has crowned Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legacy again—not just in the corridors of power but in the hearts of its people. This verdict is a call to protect what defines us, a message that I believe will echo far beyond the state’s borders. And as chroniclers of our times, it’s our duty to tell this story with honesty, insight, and respect for the voices that brought it to life.