NDTV’s ‘Battleground’ decodes Maharashtra's political landscape

Delhi: NDTV’s program Battleground with Sanjay Pugalia, Editor-in-Chief, NDTV Network at the helm, aims to delve deep into the intricacies of seat distribution in upcoming elections, challenges for the current government and the opposition, and much more with the foremost experts in the field. 

The first episode, brought together a panel of esteemed experts to dissect the dynamics shaping the electoral battleground in Maharashtra, just a month before the elections. 

The discussion aired on March 18, 2024, aiming to offer invaluable insights into the current political scenario, policy perspectives, growth indicators, and challenges confronting both the ruling coalition and the opposition in Maharashtra. With two political realignments in the past three years, including the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, the state's political landscape has witnessed considerable shifts. 

The panelists engaged in an exchange of ideas and analyses, covering topics related to Maharashtra's electoral dynamics. From the impact of electoral bonds on political funding to the intricacies of affordable housing projects and the imperative of cooperative federalism, the discussions provided an overview of the issues influencing voter sentiments and electoral outcomes.

Notable highlights from the discussion include observations from political strategists like Amitabh Tiwari, who emphasised the complexity of voting behaviour and the significance of late deciders and floating voters in shaping election results. Chief Economist of Axis Bank Neelkanth Mishra stressed on the importance of infrastructure development in driving growth and addressing key challenges such as unemployment, while political analyst Manisha Priyam shed light on the evolving perceptions of leadership and governance among voters. Understandings from panelists like Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mutual Fund, added depth to the discussion, highlighting the imperative of both cooperative federalism and competitive federalism in driving growth and development. His remarks emphasized the significance of fostering collaboration among states whilst promoting healthy competition to spur progress.

Insights from senior journalists Rohit Chandavarkar and Sandeep Shastri were also received. Chandavarkar highlighted the role of Maharashtra as a deciding state due to its substantial electoral representation, and Shastri laid impetus on the standing of states like Maharashtra in reflecting the national mood.