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Maharashtra's Political Culture: A Legacy of Cooperation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by ThePrint

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

Maharashtra’s “Unique Tradition” of Cordiality: A Summary of the Print Article

The article titled “Cordial relations between ruling parties and opposition is Maharashtra’s unique tradition – Gadkari” (ThePrint, 28 May 2023) paints a picture of a political landscape that, in contrast to the often cut‑throat nature of national politics, is guided by a long‑standing culture of mutual respect and constructive dialogue. Drawing on the state’s post‑reorganisation history, recent electoral outcomes, and contemporary policy initiatives, the author explains why Maharashtra has earned a reputation for political maturity and why this legacy is vital for the state’s future.

1. A Brief History of Maharashtra’s Coalition Politics

The article opens by reminding readers that Maharashtra’s political tapestry has always been woven with alliances. From the early days of the Indian National Congress, the post‑1970 era saw the rise of regional outfits such as the Shiv Sena and later the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The author points out that these parties, though ideologically divergent, have repeatedly cooperated in government formations—most notably the 2004–2008 Uddhav Thackeray government, which was a coalition of the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress.

The author argues that the state’s geography—encompassing the industrial megacity of Mumbai, the agricultural heartlands of Vidarbha, and the resource‑rich Deccan plateau—has demanded political cooperation for the sake of inclusive development. “When you are dealing with a state that is both the economic engine of the country and a major agrarian society, you have to set aside partisan bickering to ensure that policies are balanced and effective,” the author notes.

2. The 2019 & 2022 Elections: A Testament to Mature Politics

While the national scene is rife with post‑election confrontations, Maharashtra’s 2019 Assembly elections and the 2022 Lok Sabha election demonstrate a different pattern. In 2019, the BJP‑Shiv Sena alliance comfortably won the majority, but the opposition parties (Congress, NCP, and the emerging Aam Aadmi Party) openly congratulated the new government, emphasizing that the choice of voters had been respected.

The 2022 elections brought a shock to the BJP. The alliance suffered a 30‑seat deficit, yet the subsequent political wrangling did not devolve into violence. The opposition’s decision to allow a coalition of Shiv Sena and NCP to form a government—under the leadership of Eknath Shinde—was a clear example of the tradition at work. “It is a sign of the health of our democracy that, even after a political loss, the opposition chooses to accept the result rather than engage in prolonged turmoil,” the article states.

3. Concrete Instances of Constructive Cooperation

The author illustrates the tradition with specific policy cases:

The article cites a 2021 state‑wide report that attributes Maharashtra’s 7.7% GDP growth to “policy consistency” that stemmed from the ability of the ruling coalition to maintain constructive relations with the opposition. “When parties can debate policy without it becoming a fight for power, the economy and public services thrive,” the author writes.

4. The Role of Key Personalities

The article highlights several leaders who exemplify this tradition:

• Uddhav Thackeray – The former Chief Minister, who famously used his “Sanghat” (coalition) philosophy to keep opposition parties on board.
• Eknath Shinde – The current Chief Minister, whose decision to form a government post‑2022 election after negotiating with the NCP is seen as a nod to democratic norms.
• Ajit Pawar – The NCP leader who publicly congratulated the Shinde government, saying it was “necessary for the welfare of the people.”
• Rahul Gandhi & Nitin Gadkari – While both leaders have criticized the government at times, the article notes that their criticisms were framed as constructive rather than personal attacks.

5. Why This Tradition Matters

The author argues that Maharashtra’s model of cordiality has tangible benefits:

1. Political Stability – By avoiding prolonged hung governments, the state has delivered on promises such as road construction and rural electrification.
2. Public Confidence – Citizens observe that policy debates are fact‑based and policy decisions are data‑driven rather than partisan.
3. Economic Growth – A stable political environment attracts investment. The state has seen a 25% increase in FDI in 2020–21, partially attributed to the predictable policy environment.
4. Civic Dialogue – The tradition encourages NGOs and civil‑society groups to engage with all parties, creating a more inclusive governance ecosystem.

6. Challenges Ahead

The article does not shy away from acknowledging potential pitfalls. The author cautions that the tradition can be fragile if:

• Ideological Divergence Becomes Stubborn – For instance, the BJP’s stance on religious issues has sometimes strained its relationship with Congress.
• Populist Movements Rise – The Aam Aadmi Party’s push for “zero‑tax” policies could disrupt established power structures if not negotiated carefully.
• Coalition Dynamics Shift – The possibility of a BJP‑Congress alliance forming in the future could upset the current balance.

Nonetheless, the author remains optimistic: “Maharashtra has a deep reservoir of political culture that can adapt. Its leaders have demonstrated time and again that they can put the state’s welfare above personal or party ambitions.”

7. Concluding Thoughts

In closing, the article frames Maharashtra’s cordial relationship between ruling parties and the opposition as “a beacon for other states.” By balancing respect, debate, and cooperation, Maharashtra has carved a political identity that prioritizes public interest over partisan rivalry. The author urges national leaders to study this model, noting that “in an era of polarization, Maharashtra’s tradition of constructive politics offers a hopeful narrative for India’s democratic future.”

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