After Opposition’s Crushing Defeat in Bihar, Talk of ‘Homecoming’ Gains Momentum in Maharashtra

**Signals of a Possible Return by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar?

Original Shiv Sena–NCP Streams May Strengthen Again**

The severe drubbing faced by the opposition in the Bihar Assembly elections has sent ripples across the national political landscape. Following the NDA’s sweeping victory, Maharashtra too is witnessing renewed political churn. Speculation is rife that several rebel factions and leaders may return to their parent parties — Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Growing Buzz Over a Possible ‘Uncle–Nephew’ Reconciliation

Sources indicate that the two factions of the NCP — one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar — may explore electoral coordination in the coming months.
In political circles, this is being read as a major hint that Ajit Pawar could make a “ghar wapsi” to join his uncle Sharad Pawar once again.

Shinde Government Under Pressure, Unease Within Ranks Rising

Simultaneously, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s government is facing criticism on multiple fronts — internal disagreements, administrative confusion, and weakening grassroots connect of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
This has fueled a key question:

Could Eknath Shinde also return to the ‘original Shiv Sena’ led by the Thackeray family?

These speculations intensified after Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray recently shared a public platform — a moment widely considered a major turning point in Maharashtra politics.

NCP–Shiv Sena Still Hold Influence in Rural Maharashtra

Despite the BJP’s dominance in recent Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, the rural belts — especially Marathwada and Western Maharashtra — continue to be strongholds of Sharad Pawar’s NCP and the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.
This is one reason why splinter groups like Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Shinde’s Sena appear to be gradually losing ground.

Congress Collapse in Bihar Echoing in Maharashtra?

Just as the Congress was pushed to near irrelevance in Bihar, analysts believe the party is showing signs of similar weakness in Maharashtra, particularly in recent local body elections.

The NDA’s near-total sweep in Bihar has weakened opposition alliances across states, and its political impact is becoming increasingly visible in Maharashtra as well.

Will Shinde and Ajit Pawar Rejoin Their Parent Parties?

Much like Bihar, where shifting loyalties and new alignments are altering the political map, Maharashtra faces its own big question:

Before the long-delayed municipal elections, will Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar return to their original parties?

In Maharashtra’s fluid political environment, equations can shift overnight — and no prediction can ever be final.

Two Heavyweights — Two Different Stories

• Amit Shah, the BJP’s master strategist, is capable of rewriting Maharashtra’s political script at any moment.
• Sharad Pawar, one of India’s most seasoned opposition leaders, is also preparing for moves that could shake the state’s power structure.
  If new alliances emerge, many believe Pawar could regain the political crown.

Municipal Elections on December 2 — Results on December 4

This year’s civic polls are being regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most crucial electoral battles.

• Voting: December 2 (Sunday)
• Results: December 4 (Tuesday)

These results will reveal which leadership the people of Maharashtra trust — and which party earns a renewed mandate.