Mumbai: A day after announcing its first list of 99 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a proactive step by inviting developmental suggestions from various segments of society. This initiative aims to shape the party’s manifesto for the November 20 elections, focusing on an “inclusive and dynamic” vision for the development of Maharashtra.
The BJP’s appeal extends to a broad array of professionals, including social workers, farmers, journalists, doctors, professors, teachers, engineers, and women activists. Sudhir Mungantiwar, president of the party’s poll manifesto committee, emphasized the importance of these contributions in crafting a comprehensive plan for the state. The draft proposal is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “spectacular achievements” across various sectors, which have elevated India’s standing on the global stage.
Meanwhile, political tensions are rising as opposition parties in Maharashtra rally their efforts. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut announced that the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, has reached a consensus on contesting 210 out of the 288 Assembly seats. This announcement contradicts statements made by Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, who claimed discussions had only concluded for 96 seats. Both leaders accused the BJP of disseminating “misinformation” ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) said, “MVA will contest polls as a joint force and will defeat the forces looting Maharashtra.” This sentiment reflects a broader strategy among opposition parties to consolidate their efforts in the face of the BJP’s stronghold in the state.
Adding to the political drama, allegations have surfaced concerning the ruling Shiv Sena’s handling of an individual linked to the Gauri Lankesh murder case. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule claimed that the Shiv Sena had “temporarily removed” the accused, Shrikant Pangarkar, from party positions for the election period. Pangarkar, who recently joined the CM’s Shiv Sena, had been granted bail by the Karnataka High Court
