ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to show glimpses of currents and undercurrents of the journey of Maharashtra after it got its political identity based on Marathi language. The establishment of the new state of Maharashtra in 1960, based on Marathi language, stimulated new aspirations among people. Participation of the Dalits in the movement for the formation of linguistic state of Maharashtra brought them in the political process and political expediency pushed them to ally with the Congress. The chapter deals with the historical context and outlines the electoral politics of the state since 1960. Over the years, electoral politics and economic forces have played a major role in moulding the destiny of the state and the caste politics has emerged as a powerful force. In the 1990s, the Shiv Sena used the new card of Hindutva to enhance its importance in politics and built an alliance with the Bhartiya Janata Party.
