Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 5: The first year of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government, formed in December 2024, has been marked by turbulence, controversies, and social unrest, testing both governance and coalition stability. The BJP-Shiv Sena coalition grappled with internal rifts, high-profile criminal cases, caste-based agitations, administrative scandals, and municipal poll violence.
Coalition tensions dominated the political landscape throughout the year. Several Shinde-led Sena ministers expressed dissatisfaction over ministerial appointments, portfolio allocations, and guardian minister posts, particularly in Nashik and Raigad, culminating in a cabinet boycott in November 2025. Analysts described the coalition’s dynamics as a “cold war,” waged subtly through bureaucratic delays, selective absenteeism, and public statements rather than overt confrontation.
The year began with the abduction and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, in December 2024. The incident, linked to alleged extortion and featuring ministerial aides among the accused, triggered statewide outrage and political consequences, including the resignation of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde in March 2025.
Coalition tensions continued with the appointment of 36 guardian ministers in January, leading to disputes over Raigad and Nashik assignments. In February, the portfolio of Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate was changed following controversial legislative conduct and statements on farmers. The state also witnessed communal clashes in Nagpur and other districts, prompting curfews and multiple arrests.
The Shalarth scam in May 2025 exposed large-scale fraud in school staffing across Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra, raising questions about administrative oversight. In June-July, the three-language policy controversy prompted a rare joint protest by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, compelling the government to withdraw the circular. Legislative misconduct continued with clashes at Vidhan Bhavan and incidents involving Sena ministers, drawing national attention.
In August, the Maratha reservation agitation in Mumbai disrupted city life for several days, highlighting caste tensions and testing government control. The opposition criticised the government for failing to deliver on welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin and farm loan waivers.
Late in the year, the Mundhwa-Bopodi land deal controversy involved alleged irregularities in the sale of nearly 40 acres of ‘Mahar Watan’ land linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s family, fuelling public scrutiny.
Coalition friction remained intense ahead of municipal elections, with Sena ministers boycotting meetings, allegations of leader poaching, and electoral violence reported in Beed, Buldhana, and Aurangabad. The year was further marred by reported suicides allegedly connected to dowry harassment and police misconduct.
As Maharashtra completes its first year under the Fadnavis-Shinde government, analysts note that governance has been frequently overshadowed by political rivalry, scandals, and social unrest, setting the tone for a challenging second year for the coalition.