Maharashtra Political Scene: Meeting Between Tanaji Sawant and Shinde Fueling Anticipation of a Political Return
In a move aimed at pacifying disgruntled leaders and strengthening the Shiv Sena ahead of upcoming polls, former Health Minister Tanaji Sawant met with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai. The meeting was reportedly a response to an urgent summons from Shinde, following recent developments in Dharashiv district.
Sawant, who won from Paranda last year but was sidelined, leading to discontent, has a controversial past. He has made remarks that sparked uproar during the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime and faced corruption allegations during his tenure as health minister.
The talks between the two leaders reportedly covered various political and organisational issues and lasted for two hours. The meeting fuelled talk of Sawant's possible political rehabilitation within the Shiv Sena, with political observers believing the Shinde camp may launch similar initiatives across Maharashtra to neutralize dissent and consolidate its base ahead of crucial elections.
Meanwhile, Sawant's brother, Shivaji Sawant, recently met Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, fuelling speculation of a shift towards the BJP. Ajit Pawar, an NCP leader, and 7 MLAs are reportedly not reachable, sparking speculation about a major twist in Maharashtra politics.
The meeting between Sawant and Shinde has triggered fresh political speculation in the state. Rahul Mote, who recently switched to Sharad Pawar's NCP, has been noticed in Maharashtra's Solapur-Dharashiv districts due to political shifts. Tanaji Sawant's meeting with Eknath Shinde suggests Sawant may play a role in a potential political comeback in the future.
Shinde's outreach to Sawant is being viewed as a strategic step to retain key leaders in the current political climate. The outreach is part of a "damage control" exercise the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is believed to be undertaking ahead of local body elections.
Political observers believe that this move by the Shinde camp could set a precedent for future negotiations with disgruntled leaders within the party, aiming to strengthen the Shiv Sena's position in the run-up to the polls.
