North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: Maharashtra politics is looking no less than a suspense film at this time. After the assembly elections, now all eyes are on the state. 29 Municipal Corporations Are dependent on the elections. This is not a general election, but it will decide who will be in charge of the big cities of Maharashtra.
Recent reports and trends suggest that the BJP-led ‘Mahayuti’ (BJP + Eknath Shinde + Ajit Pawar) seems to be in a very strong position. But the question is why is this so? After all, why is Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) getting a strong fight in these municipal corporations? Let’s treat this as a discussion, without any heavy words.
1. Ground impact of the schemes
Believe it or not, the government’s schemes have created a huge vote bank. The way ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ has directly benefited women, its impact is now clearly visible in the homes of the city. This ‘card’ of Mahayuti seems to be proving to be a masterstroke in middle class and low income areas.
2. Triple Engine Resource Force of Government
When power and resources are in hand, the strength to contest elections increases. Mahayuti is openly taking credit for the big infrastructure projects going on in the cities, be it the Metro of Mumbai or the development works of Pune and Nagpur. People want that the same party which is in power in the state should be in the Municipal Corporation so that there is no hindrance in the budget and funds.
3. Strong organization and booth management
BJP’s organization always works very closely in municipal elections. Now that Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP are also with them, booth management in urban areas has become quite aggressive. Activists are reaching door to door and trying to remove resentment at the local level.
4. Power-base of local leaders
29 municipal corporations have their own local identities. Ajit Pawar and Shinde have personal hold in cities like Pune, Thane, Nashik and Navi Mumbai. While Ajit Pawar is considered a master of urban administration, Shinde Saheb maintains his image as a ‘down to earth’ leader. This combination seems to be overshadowing the opponents in the local body elections.
What is the challenge for the opposition (MVA)?
The biggest problem facing Mahavikas Aghadi (Uddhav Thackeray + Sharad Pawar + Congress) is ‘seat distribution’ and mutual coordination. Unless these three parties come together and speak with one voice in urban areas, it will be difficult to defeat the Mahayuti. Especially the staunch voters of BJP do not seem to be shifting anywhere in the urban areas at present.
