Kumar Bahukhandi
New Delhi: Confusion within Maharashtra’s ruling ‘Mahayuti’ alliance regarding the continued participation of the Nationalist Congress Party’s Ajit Pawar faction [NCP(A)] has reportedly lifted the spirits of BJP cadre in the poll-bound state. As Assembly elections approach, the BJP has been facing internal challenges, including a lack of enthusiasm among party workers for election-related activities.
Sources indicate that one of the primary reasons for the cadre’s disinterest has been the alliance with NCP(A), which has diminished the prospects of BJP leaders seeking tickets in Assembly seats currently held by the NCP. The recent Lok Sabha election results also suggested that the BJP gained little from its alliance with NCP(A).
Amid speculation that NCP(A) may merge back with the original NCP led by Sharad Pawar, and with the BJP choosing not to comment on the issue, party workers are hopeful that their concerns are being acknowledged. According to insiders, there is a growing feeling among the BJP cadre that the leadership is reconsidering the alliance.
“The alliance with NCP(A) has been a point of contention since the beginning,” said a party source. “Our workers are eager to contest and campaign in constituencies currently held by the NCP, but the alliance has limited these opportunities.”
Reports suggest that BJP workers have expressed unwillingness to campaign for seats allocated to NCP(A). This sentiment extends to some senior leaders who have shown reluctance to engage in election activities in constituencies represented by NCP(A) members.
Rumours intensified after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reportedly walked out of a state Cabinet meeting within 10 minutes on Thursday. While some interpreted this as a sign of discord within the alliance, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had pre-scheduled meetings and had to leave early.
Within the Maharashtra BJP, a significant faction is said to have opposed the alliance with NCP(A) from the outset. Sources also suggest that the RSS is not pleased with the partnership, reflecting concerns among the BJP-RSS cadre.
However, a senior BJP leader dismissed claims of internal strife, stating that there are no issues within the ruling alliance. “These rumors are being spread by the opposition faction led by Sharad Pawar,” the leader said. “They know that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (the opposition alliance) is in bad shape, especially after the Haryana Assembly poll results, and they are trying to create confusion within our ranks.”
The leader added that the ruling alliance partners would soon announce the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming elections, emphasizing the unity within the Mahayuti.
As Maharashtra prepares for the Assembly elections, the political landscape remains dynamic, with potential shifts in alliances and strategies. The BJP cadre’s renewed optimism could influence the party’s campaign efforts in the coming weeks.
