Maharashtra was among the many massive states the place the BJP suffered a setback within the Lok Sabha elections, profitable simply 9 of the 28 seats it contested. However the excellent news was that the occasion nonetheless managed to have the best vote share of 26.2% amongst all of the events within the state.
With simply over two weeks to go for the Meeting polls, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule talks to The Indian Specific in regards to the Mahayuti alliance, its recreation plan to bounce again, and who the CM can be if the coalition returns to energy.
Although the BJP’s central management is alleged to have assured Chief Minister Eknath Shinde that he’ll retain his chair if he crosses the 40-seat mark, Bawankule says who the CM can be will not be on the ruling alliance’s agenda for the time being. Excerpts:
The BJP has agreed to contest 152 seats as a part of the seat-sharing association with Mahayuti allies … Are you proud of this quantity?
It’s affordable given the coalition construction of three events. In 2019, we contested 163 of the 288 seats. Then, we have been simply two companions (undivided Shiv Sena and BJP). Now, there are three alliance companions (NCP, Shiv Sena, and BJP) … 152 seats can’t be seen as a compromise. We obtained the utmost seats … The Shiv Sena obtained 80 seats and the NCP 52. 17 BJP candidates are additionally contesting on the tickets of allies: 12 from Shiv Sena, 4 from NCP and one from Republican Occasion of India (I).
Mahayuti’s seat-sharing has been finished with consensus and higher coordination in comparison with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). They fielded candidates earlier than putting a components.
What in regards to the giant variety of rebels?
Rebels are throughout Mahayuti and MVA. There are 27 rebels from the BJP who’re difficult the Shiv Sena or the NCP. Together with this, there are 25 Shiv Sena and NCP leaders who will tackle BJP candidates. We’re talking to each candidate who has filed nomination in opposition to the official Mahayuti candidates. I’m assured most of them will withdraw their nominations.
After the Lok Sabha setback, do you will have any issues?
Our focus within the Lok Sabha polls was on nationwide points and PM Narendra Modi. The MVA turned the Lok Sabha polls into panchayat polls by elevating native points … Their false narrative on the risk to the Structure instilled worry amongst Dalits and tribals.
The Meeting polls are going to be totally different. The Opposition’s pretend narrative (on the Structure) has been uncovered and there’s a sense of sympathy in our favour. A bit of voters who didn’t vote for us within the Lok Sabha at the moment are admitting they made a mistake. Our Ladki Bahin Yojna has obtained an awesome response.
There was a dialog about populist schemes introduced earlier than elections and their influence on a state’s fiscal well being …
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar have made it crystal clear that Ladki Bahin Yojana goes to proceed forward. It’s for girls’s empowerment and never ballot politics. Have a look at the double requirements of MVA. They’re demanding withdrawal of the scheme… Throughout public rallies, they’re promising the next quantity for the scheme if they arrive to energy.
Will the Maratha reservation influence the polls?
When activist Manoj Jarange Patil took up the Maratha reservation difficulty, it attracted help. Regularly, it (the agitation) obtained transformed to politics. When politics takes over a social trigger, a motion loses its enchantment among the many lots. Individuals have begun to see the design behind the agitation … Patil desires to focus on Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP.
Maratha reservation was given for the primary time when Fadnavis was CM ( 2014-’19). The MVA failed to guard it within the Supreme Court docket. In February 2024, it was the Shinde authorities that gave a ten% quota to Marathas. Our dedication to Maratha reservation has been constant. In parliamentary polls, we might have didn’t put throughout our aspect convincingly. The dialogue between the federal government and Marathas was misunderstood by OBCs.
Whereas we’re in favour of Maratha reservation, we emphatically made it clear that the OBC quota won’t be compromised at any price. At this time, each Marathas and OBCs know the Mahayuti authorities has given them most advantages by way of welfare schemes.
Will NCP be capable to make a mark in western Maharashtra with out Sharad Pawar?
Why not? When the occasion break up, 40-plus MLAs of the whole 54 pledged loyalty to Ajit Pawar. Within the Lok Sabha polls, NCP’s coordination (with allies) was missing on the grassroots. Now, now we have emphasised rather a lot on coordination inside Mahayuti. The NCP will do significantly better.
What in regards to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)?
Even throughout the MVA, the Shiv Sena (UBT) finds itself on the again foot. They’re caught in an intense energy tussle with Congress. None of their calls for, whether or not it’s 100-plus seats or the projection of a CM face, have been fulfilled. Within the Lok Sabha polls, the Shiv Sena (UBT) held its floor due to the Congress vote financial institution.
Who can be Mahayuti’s CM?
We’re working as a workforce. Our precedence and focus is to get most seats.
Will the BJP declare the CM submit if it emerges as the biggest occasion inside Mahayuti?
I wish to reiterate that the CM submit will not be on our agenda at this second. Each central and state BJP have put all their energies and efforts into guaranteeing the Mahayuti’s success.
