Shailesh Gaikwad is senior associate editor, Hindustan Times. He heads the political bureau in HT’s Mumbai edition. In his career of over 18 years, he has covered Maharashtra politics, state government and urban governance issues.
Articles by Shailesh Gaikwad
Different parties, Sainiks in key positions
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar was Shiv Sena spokesperson. He quit the party to join the NCP and later switched to the BJP and contested assembly elections. Wadettiwar was in Shiv Sena and quit the party alongwith Nayaran Rane when the latter walked out with a bunch of MLAs to join the Congress in 2005. Though Rane later shifted to the BJP, Wadettiwar stayed on in the Congress.
Updated on Aug 07, 2023 12:35 AM IST
A cordial break-up
The split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has taken a surprising turn with the two factions showing cordial relations, but tensions may rise again as senior party leader Sharad Pawar resumes his state tour and the Election Commission decides on the faction's claim to the party symbol. Meanwhile, in the BJP, senior leaders from Maharashtra have been given key positions in the party's national executive, indicating their importance at the national level. In the Congress, senior leaders are becoming more aggressive in their attacks on the government in a bid to secure the vacant leader of opposition post. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari candidly admitted that winning voters' trust is crucial for success in elections.
Updated on Jul 31, 2023 12:39 AM IST
Present tense over ‘future chief minister’
For the past fortnight, the main topic under discussion in the corridors of power has been if Ajit would replace Shinde
Updated on Jul 24, 2023 12:38 AM IST
Ajit gets finance, BJP brings NCP camp on par with Shinde’s Sena
The BJP reached a deal with its alliance partners in Maharashtra, ensuring that Ajit Pawar becomes the deputy chief minister with the finance portfolio.
Updated on Jul 15, 2023 03:56 AM IST
Ajit gets finance as 9 NCP leaders join Maha cabinet
After protracted negotiations, the portfolios of the nine Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ministers in the Maharashtra government have been announced. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar retains the finance portfolio, while Dilip Walse Patil heads the cooperation department and Chhagan Bhujbal takes charge of the food and civil supplies department.
Updated on Jul 15, 2023 12:25 AM IST
The battleground of 80 assembly seats
Shiv Sena and NCP, two political parties in Maharashtra, are facing internal splits. Both party heads are rebuilding their parties and targeting rebel MLAs in upcoming elections. There is speculation about a potential change in the chief minister position. Additionally, several daughters of established politicians are entering politics and being groomed for future roles. The inclusion of the NCP in the government is seen as a relief by some state administrators.
Updated on Jul 10, 2023 01:01 AM IST
Gen-next to watch out for in Maharashtra politics
They come from different backgrounds though most of them are from political families – all unified by ambition and a forward looking approach in politics. They are equally well-versed with the politics of power and know why realpolitik matters. HT profiles some of the young players who are out there to bring about change
Updated on Jul 09, 2023 01:16 AM IST
Parallel Pawar shows: My turn, says nephew; uncle lashes back
Both factions of the NCP scrambled to corral legislators on its side and held almost parallel shows of strength in Mumbai, mobilising thousands of workers from their strongholds to make a point
Updated on Jul 06, 2023 12:35 AM IST
Tale of two rebellions: How Shinde, Pawar exits were plotted on to ‘punish’ the leadership
While Eknath Shinde, then the urban development minister with Shiv Sena, exited the party with 40 supporters in June last year, on Sunday Ajit Pawar led a similar rebellion supported by nine of his party colleagues, and was sworn in as the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 01:01 AM IST
Ajit Pawar rebels again, joins Shinde cabinet with 8 others
The NCP split comes exactly a year after the cleaving of the Shiv Sena, and it was executed with similar stealth and precision. At least 37 of the NCP’s 55 MLAs have defected with Ajit Pawar, and more are likely to follow
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 12:54 AM IST
Two rebellions that reshaped the contours of Maharashtra politics
After Eknath Shinde split the Shiv Sena in June last year, Ajit Pawar on Sunday led the second rebellion by swearing-in with eight NCP colleagues.
Updated on Jul 03, 2023 12:13 AM IST
In another Maha twist, Ajit splits NCP, becomes Dy CM
The surprise alliance between Ajit Pawar and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Maharashtra has raised questions about the future of the opposition parties in the state. The move has also led to speculation about Sharad Pawar's intentions for the 2024 elections.
Updated on Jul 02, 2023 11:40 PM IST
The power games in NCP
Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, is vying for control of the Maharashtra state unit of the party, which would give him the power to decide who gets assembly election tickets. His move comes after Supriya Sule was made party working president with control over the panel that decides party candidates. The power struggle within the NCP could intensify as the 2024 elections draw near. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samiti is trying to build a base in Maharashtra, with speculation of a new front comprising the BRS, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and AIMIM.
Updated on Jun 26, 2023 12:48 AM IST
Mumbai will decide the outcome of Sena-vs-Sena fight
The BMC has been run by an administrator since the end of the elected body's tenure in February 2020, but activities suggest the civic polls could be coming.
Updated on Jun 22, 2023 06:35 PM IST
Honeymoon period of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance over
The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in India appears to be on the rocks after just one year, as the two parties argue over which will control the Thane Lok Sabha seats
Updated on Jun 19, 2023 06:06 PM IST
What happens to the power tussle in the NCP now?
Sharad Pawar has made his intentions clear with the appointment of two new working presidents, including daughter Supriya Sule. Supriya has also been put in charge of Maharashtra where the party has its base. Does that mean senior Pawar has sidelined his ambitious nephew Ajit who hopes to be the next chief minister?
Updated on Jun 12, 2023 12:54 AM IST
The Munde sisters’ playbook: Loud, clear dissonance
Pankaja Munde is known for her outspokenness. Her sister Pritam spoke in support of the protesting wrestlers, breaking the BJP’s unwritten code of silence
Published on Jun 10, 2023 10:40 PM IST
A sound and light show called MVA
Over a dozen leaders of the three coalition partners have been publicly claiming how they can win particular seats and hence should get the same. Some senior MVA leaders are worried that the constant bickering between the three parties would create a negative image of the coalition
Updated on Jun 05, 2023 12:50 AM IST
What did Sharad Pawar achieve by resigning and changing his mind?
Five things: A tighter grip, reining in potential rebels, a checkmate to Ajit, and putting Pawar in the centre stage
Updated on May 31, 2023 11:22 AM IST
Bit of a trouble in paradise?
BJP legislators in Mumbai Metropolitan Region have complained about the lack of funds provided by Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Shinde is a member of the Shiv Sena party, which is in a coalition with the BJP. MPs aligned with Shinde have also complained of being treated badly by the central government. Despite the bickering, Shinde is pushing hard to win the Mumbai civic elections, which would significantly damage the Shiv Sena's influence. The opposition space is also becoming crowded, with several parties, including AIMIM and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, preparing to contest elections.
Updated on May 29, 2023 12:22 AM IST
Narvekar calls on Bhai Thakur, sparks talks of alliance with BVA
Bhai Thakur and two others acquitted on Wednesday were facing charges under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) for conspiracy to commit terrorist act in the October 1989 murder of builder Suresh Dube at Nallasopara
Updated on May 27, 2023 12:58 AM IST
MVA’s great attempts at unity amidst deep diversity
The three parties want to make a go of it for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Here are the hurdles they’ll have to overcome
Published on May 21, 2023 08:53 PM IST
After SC verdict: Sighs of relief, renewed plans for fight
The Supreme Court verdict on the Shiv Sena split and disqualification of 16 MLAs has resulted in relief, uncertainty, and preparations for battle. The NCP seems to be benefiting, while a coup like Shinde's is now difficult. The Thackeray camp is working on a legal strategy while the Shinde camp is relieved and confident of Narwekar ruling in their favor. There is a public spat between Andhare and Ajit, and several leaders of the three-party coalition have been passing remarks against each other, which is music to the ears of BJP leaders in the state.
Updated on May 15, 2023 12:23 AM IST
Hurt, shock and emotion over logic dictated Uddhav’s resignation
Only 5 people knew of this decision: his wife Rashmi, his sons Aaditya and Tejas and Sena leaders Subhash Desai and Anil Parab who later informed others in the party. That day, Uddhav Thackeray held his last Cabinet meeting where he thanked his colleagues.
Updated on May 12, 2023 12:57 AM IST
'Felt tricked & hurt’: Why Uddhav chose to resign before facing floor test
No legal advice was sought and neither did Uddhav consult NCP or Congress leaders who were trying to save his government.
Updated on May 12, 2023 04:11 AM IST
Sharad Pawar’s life updates
In the eye of a political storm at the moment, the veteran leader’s revised autobiography offers a glimpse into the workings of his mind
Published on May 08, 2023 02:28 PM IST
Pawar, book and resignation
NCP chief Sharad Pawar announced his resignation at a book launch event, catching party leaders off-guard. He cited plans to focus on education, agriculture, cooperation, sports and culture. Senior leaders tried to counter the move by proposing Pawar's daughter as national president and his nephew for the state, but pressure from party workers saw Pawar return to leadership. Pawar is known for his political maneuvers, and his rivals have often been left guessing. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said he will write a book to reveal the truth behind the government formation in 2019.
Updated on May 08, 2023 12:33 AM IST
Ajit welcomes Pawar’s decision to stay on but skips announcement
Following Sharad Pawar’s decision to continue as NCP president and giving a clear indication that the party is unlikely to go with the BJP, all eyes are now on the Ajit Pawar-led group of seniors who were keen to join hands with the ruling party
Updated on May 06, 2023 12:13 AM IST
Pawar’s move to step down puts future of MVA at stake
Sharad Pawar's decision to step down as NCP president has left the future of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) uncertain. Leaders from Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are unsure if the party without Pawar at the helm will stay with the coalition or join the BJP. MVA leaders believe the timing of Pawar's move is crucial, as several senior leaders led by Ajit have been insisting on going with the BJP. The next public rally planned by the MVA at Pune on May 16 has been put on hold.
Updated on May 04, 2023 12:50 AM IST
Shailesh Gaikwad, Mumbai
Pawar’s decision could be turning point for NCP
The veteran politician’s stepping down as party chief—albeit with plans to do backseat driving—could prove to be a turning point for the party.
Updated on May 03, 2023 08:40 AM IST
