The political temperature in Maharashtra rose sharply after the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), describing it as a “repackaged expired product” that has lost both credibility and relevance in the state’s political landscape. The sharp editorial comes at a time when Maharashtra is heading toward important civic and local body elections, making political narratives and public perception increasingly crucial.
The editorial criticised the BJP’s leadership and functioning in Maharashtra, alleging that the party no longer enjoys genuine public support and is surviving through political manoeuvring rather than grassroots acceptance. Using a strong commercial metaphor, the piece claimed that while the BJP continues to rebrand itself through alliances and power equations, its political appeal among voters has already crossed its expiry date.
Questioning BJP’s Political Strength in the State
The Sena mouthpiece argued that the BJP lacks an independent political base in Maharashtra and has instead relied heavily on breaking rival parties, absorbing leaders, and reshaping alliances to remain in power. According to the editorial, such tactics may help retain administrative control but fail to build long-term trust among voters.
The piece further stated that the BJP’s repeated emphasis on power at the Centre has not translated into meaningful governance outcomes for Maharashtra. It accused the party of prioritising political dominance over addressing pressing state-level issues such as farmer distress, unemployment, rising prices, and urban infrastructure challenges.
Double-Engine Government’ Narrative Challenged
Taking aim at the BJP’s frequently used “double-engine government” slogan, the editorial described it as an outdated narrative that no longer resonates with the people of Maharashtra. It argued that despite being part of both state and central governments at different times, the BJP has failed to deliver tangible benefits that justify such claims.
According to the editorial, voters are increasingly questioning whether the promised development has reached the grassroots or remained limited to announcements and publicity campaigns. The piece suggested that public dissatisfaction is growing, particularly in urban centres and rural belts where economic pressures continue to mount.
Allegations of Power Politics and Pressure Tactics
The editorial also accused the BJP of relying on power tactics rather than democratic consensus. It alleged that investigative agencies and administrative pressure have been used to weaken opposition voices and destabilise rival parties in Maharashtra. Such methods, it claimed, damage democratic institutions and erode public faith in fair political competition.
The Sena mouthpiece warned that while these strategies may provide short-term political gains, they carry long-term consequences for democratic values. It stressed that Maharashtra’s political culture has historically been rooted in ideological debate, social reform, and mass movements rather than coercive politics.
Appeal to Maharashtra’s Political Identity
Linking the criticism to the broader idea of Maharashtra’s political and cultural identity, the editorial argued that the state has always valued self-respect, progressive thought, and regional pride. It claimed that voters are becoming increasingly aware of attempts to dilute this identity through opportunistic alliances and centralised decision-making.
The piece positioned regional parties as better equipped to understand and represent Maharashtra’s unique social and cultural fabric. It asserted that political leadership in the state should emerge from local struggles and public engagement rather than being imposed through power arithmetic.
Elections as a Turning Point
With civic and local body elections approaching, the editorial described the upcoming polls as a crucial test of public sentiment. It suggested that voters now have an opportunity to evaluate political claims against lived realities and decide whether they wish to endorse what it termed “expired politics wrapped in new packaging.”
The Sena mouthpiece called on citizens to vote thoughtfully, urging them to assess governance performance, accountability, and respect for democratic values rather than slogans or political branding. It argued that elections should serve as a corrective mechanism when political parties drift away from public welfare.
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Political Reactions Expected
The strong language used in the editorial is expected to provoke sharp reactions from the BJP, further intensifying political discourse in the state. Analysts anticipate that the coming weeks will witness heightened exchanges between rival parties as they attempt to frame narratives and consolidate voter bases.
As Maharashtra enters a politically sensitive phase, statements such as these reflect not only inter-party rivalry but also a broader debate about governance, democracy, and political ethics in the state.:
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