Political dynamics of Body Language in Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Selection
Leadership is often judged by what is said and done, but the recent political developments in Maharashtra highlight an equally powerful aspect: what remains unspoken. The journey from the election results to the final oath-taking ceremony yesterday was two weeks long. Was the selection of the Chief Minister just about strategic placement or was there more going on behind closed doors? The body language of key players during this process offer subtle insights into the dynamics of power and influence that might have shaped the final outcome for Maharashtra election results 2024.
THE BACKGROUND
BODY LANGUAGE ANALYSED
With body language, as always, it gets interesting when you observe the details. Here are some specific photos and my analysis of the same. Before you read the observation, see if you can decipher the same yourself by closely observing the photos. Make sure you look not just for a second or two but dig down deep, looking at the politicians not as individuals, but in relation to one another, to see what’s hiding in plain sight.
THE HANDSHAKE
This picture was taken after the election results were announced and the Mahayuti alliance was declared as the clear winner. While Pawar and Fadnavis stand at the by-lines, politely witnessing the formal greeting, what do you see in Shinde’s handshake? It is already an index finger jab – that encroaches into the personal zone of the Governor CP Radhakrishnan. And he is already on way to place the palm down on the handshake to make it an authoritative politician’s handshake. A double dominating pose, what would not be shown just because two people share good chemistry. It is one that only someone who feels confident of sweeping the stakes might showcase.
THE LIGHT MOMENT
This picture is clicked while taking a media interview. The photo is significant as it has opposite reactions from the alliance leaders. Fadnavis has totally relaxed expressions and body and is enjoying what could be a light moment; he has a true laughter smile. So do some of the members standing behind. However, both Pawar and Shinde look uncomfortable. While Shinde has a polite smile on his face, this body is rigid, the hands stiff and nostrils slightly flared. Pawar is reacting in the moment with discomfort, by compressing his lips. One wonders what could make one leader feel happy and others stressed out.
READING THE UNSAID
If you just glance at this picture, it might seem that Shinde has turned away from Pawar so might be disagreeing with him. But if you look closely, he has his eyes focused at a distance and while his hands are closed, they are not tensed. His torso is in fact turned towards Pawar and away from Fadnavis, suggesting the inclination towards one member more than the other. So Shinde is actually trying to focus closely on what Pawar is saying.
Fadnavis has what is called a regal stance, with hands behind his back, a posture one takes when they are confident of no harm from their adversaries. It is an interesting posture seen often by people with power as it suggests dominance in a subtle manner. (Arms behind the back can also show compliance so you should observe the entire body together.)
This has been seen again and again in the pictures – Fadnavis and Shinde do not see eye to eye, with one of them showing more displeasure and discomfort than the other.
WHY SUCH ANALYSIS MATTERS
As time passes by, if you can accurately observe leaders when they are together, you can also compare their chemistry then with that we have analysed here – when the political synergy is just officially stepping into power. That will help you decipher whether the relationship is improving or depleting. In the past we have analysed how it is possible to foresee outcome of a relationship based on changes in body language of a duo seen together from time to time
CAREER SUCCESS AND CHEMISTRY AMONG LEADERS
What if you are someone from the corporate world and believe all this has no direct repercussions on your immediate world; although you and I can have a healthy argument around this! Understanding body language is not limited to decoding political events; it is a MUST have tool to sharpen your people skills and be ready to take on a leadership role.
You can extend the discussion from this article to understand your corporate leadership team. The chemistry between leaders – the way they align their postures, gestures, and expressions around one another – offers valuable insights into their status of trust building, how influence negotiates among them, and how and when confidence is demonstrated by them around each other. And what’s more – you can even decipher what’s boiling (or not) under the calm waters. The question is, have you been able to figure out how this can impact your career success one day?
AFTERTHOUGHT: FUN QUIZ TO TRY
HOW WE CAN HELP
REFERENCES
- Pressnote
- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/fresh-start-on-maharashtra-politics-government-formation/article68950498.ece
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ajit-pawar-maharashtras-political-survivor-becomes-deputy-cm-for-the-sixth-time/articleshow/116010990.cms
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/maharashtra-assembly-election-a-complex-political-landscape-emerges-101729052897761.html
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shinde-agrees-to-be-dy-cm-after-fadnavis-calls-on-him/articleshow/115948167.cms
- https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bjp-firm-on-fadnavis-as-cm-bihar-model-doesnt-apply-in-maharashtra-9692204/
FAQ’s
How does body language reveal real power dynamics when formal roles appear equal?
When roles are similar on paper, nonverbal behaviour often reveals who feels secure, who is negotiating, and who is compensating. Posture, eye contact, and spatial control tend to surface the psychological hierarchy before it becomes explicit. Power is usually visible before it is announced.
Why do moments like handshakes and informal interactions matter more than speeches?
Because they are less rehearsed. In unscripted moments, behaviour is driven by instinct rather than strategy, making dominance, confidence, or uncertainty harder to conceal. These moments often expose intention more reliably than prepared communication.
Can leaders misread body language if they observe gestures in isolation?
Yes. Individual gestures can be misleading if detached from context, relationship history, and group dynamics. Behavioural intelligence requires pattern recognition over time, not one-off interpretations.
What does mismatched body language within a leadership team usually indicate?
It often signals unresolved influence negotiations, uneven confidence, or misaligned expectations. These signals tend to surface early, long before disagreement becomes verbal or structural.
How is behavioural observation useful for senior leaders outside politics?
The same dynamics appear in boardrooms, succession discussions, and leadership transitions. Observing how leaders orient toward or away from one another reveals trust, influence flow, and emerging fault lines that formal metrics rarely capture.
