Milind Deora’s Shift to Shiv Sena: A Gain for Shinde Overshadowing Congress’ Losses

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Milind Deora shocked many by announcing his resignation from the grand old party on January 14, 2024. He ended his family’s 55-year association with the Congress and joined the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena, which had split from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) in 2023. Deora’s exit is seen as a major blow to the Congress, which is already struggling to retain its relevance in Maharashtra and at the national level. However, it is also seen as a strategic gain for Shinde, who is eyeing to expand his base and influence ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Why did Deora quit Congress?

Deora, who was a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and a prominent member of the ‘Team Rahul’, had been unhappy with the Congress leadership for a long time. He had resigned as the Mumbai Congress president in 2019, citing personal reasons, but sources say he was frustrated with the lack of support and direction from the high command. He had also faced two consecutive defeats in the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat, which he had won in 2004 and 2009. His seat was under threat from the Shiv Sena UBT, which had openly laid claim to it. Deora felt that the Congress was unable to assure him of his political future and did not value his skills and connections.

Why did Deora join Shinde’s Shiv Sena?

Deora chose to join Shinde’s Shiv Sena over BJP or UBT for several reasons. First, he had developed a strong bond with Shinde’s son and MP Shrikant Shinde, who had reportedly convinced him to switch sides. Second, he saw an opportunity to leverage his expertise and network in Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which needed a leader who could represent the party on the national and international stage. Deora, who is fluent in English and has good relations with industrialists and global leaders, was seen as an asset for Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which aims to project itself as a progressive and development-oriented party. Third, he was assured of a Rajya Sabha nomination by Shinde, who also offered him a key role in his cabinet.

What are the implications of Deora’s shift?

Deora’s shift has several implications for both the Congress and Shinde’s Shiv Sena. For the Congress, it is another setback that exposes its inability to retain its young and talented leaders, who are disillusioned with the party’s direction and performance. It also weakens its position in Mumbai, where it has been losing ground to the BJP and the Shiv Sena factions. For Shinde’s Shiv Sena, it is a boost that strengthens its claim to be the true inheritor of Bal Thackeray’s legacy and ideology. It also enhances its appeal among the urban and educated voters, who may find Deora’s image and vision more attractive than UBT’s. Moreover, it signals Shinde’s ambition to challenge UBT’s dominance in Maharashtra politics and emerge as a viable alternative for the 2024 polls.