Devendra Needs to Come Out Of Narendra's Shadow ASAP
Narendra-Devendra double engine government has been pivotal for post-2014 Maharashtra. There are set of problems and controversies surrounding this government for sure, but there have been extremely beneficial things as well. There is a fair share of goods and bads. Even harshest critics would agree Fadnavis was better than other alternatives we were offered (Prithviraj Chawan, Uddhav Thackeray, Nana Patole). Fadnavis is known for winning Maharashtra multiple times, for breaking apart two strong regional rivals, he has maintained the caste matric very well. A Brahmin guy backed by a strong OBC, SC ST voterbase. That's rare in Maharashtra politics. But throughout his tenure, Fadnavis has been completely subservient to Narendra Modi.
It was expected in the initial years. Fadnavis was young, elected based on the Modi wave of 2014. But his 2019 and 2024 wins are entirely his. The MVA fiasco almost ensured end of Fadnavis era, but he resurged stronger than ever. That's rare coalition politics. Even Modi as a Chief Minister didn't have to face such scenarios. Fadnavis totally is sticky, and knows Maharashtra well. He should have an independent strong face for himself by now.
Narendra Modi is old, there is heavy anti-incumbency wave against New Delhi currently. 2029 could be a tough fight, and thus, fighting barely on Modi's facecard isn't a viable solution. Also, considering Modi's age, Fadnavis has to prepare for a post-Modi phase too. He should rise upto the status of a regional satrap in BJP, potentially even rise up in Central ranks amongst the new generation of leaders.
Yogi Adityanath is going to be a tough contender for the next-gen of BJP. He's infact leagues ahead of Fadnavis. But if Fadnavis holds Maharashtra as his stronghold, and his developmental face grows, he can easily match or even surpass Yogi. Fadnavis has to learn to be bold, unapologetic, rugged at times. Because that's what our Maharashtra is. We are known for firebrand leaders. Fadnavis still appears to be so soft in comparison.
If Fadnavis wants Maharashtra to rally behind him, he will have to strongly uphold Marathi identity, alongside Hindutva. Maharashtra will become the first state economy to reach trillion dollar GSDP. And, Fadnavis should hope he gets to be the CM to take praises for it at that time. For that, he has to grow his own bold image.
That's basically the problem with all BJP state level leaders across states. But since we are from Maharashtra, I'm focusing on Fadnavis. Also, he has the most realistic scope to become a Marathi Prime Ministerial candidate of the future. So, hedging our bets as a Marathi man who wants Maharashtra's political influence to grow.