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The BJP's Amit Shah, known for his political maneuvering and strategic prowess, has stepped into the role of troubleshooter for the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. With the upcoming Assembly elections looming, tensions within the alliance have surfaced, demanding Shah's intervention to ensure a united front and secure victory for the BJP and its partners. Shah's arrival in Mumbai signaled a critical juncture in the political landscape of the state, where the BJP seeks to maintain its dominance and further its electoral ambitions.
Shah's first order of business was to address the core committee members of the BJP, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and aiming for a substantial 125 seats in the upcoming elections. This ambitious target underscores the BJP's determination to emerge as the dominant force in Maharashtra. To achieve this, Shah urged the party to redouble its efforts in key constituencies, particularly those where the BJP needs to improve its standing.
The focus of Shah's efforts shifted to the alliance partners, Shiv Sena and NCP, whose leaders, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, respectively, are leading their respective parties into elections for the first time. Shah assured both leaders of a fair and respectable share of seats, aiming to quell any internal anxieties and maintain a united front. The allocation of seats, however, remains a point of contention, with the Shiv Sena and NCP seeking a larger share than the BJP's initial proposal.
To address these concerns and prevent further escalation of tensions within the alliance, Shah convened a meeting at the Mumbai airport. The meeting brought together key leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, including Devendra Fadnavis, Praful Patel, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar. Shah's message was clear: avoid public airing of grievances and work towards consolidating the Mahayuti ahead of the polls. The meeting, deemed 'very good' by NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, aimed to establish a common ground and ensure that all parties felt adequately represented in the upcoming elections.
Shah's efforts to strengthen the alliance extend beyond mere seat allocation. The recent Lok Sabha elections saw a decline in the BJP's performance, raising concerns about the alliance's overall strength. The BJP's success in the upcoming Assembly elections hinges on its ability to address key concerns such as farmers' unrest, Dalit sentiments, and Maratha versus OBC tension. Shah's meetings with regional leaders, including one-on-one discussions, focused on strategizing and maximizing the impact of the Mahayuti government's policies to address these critical issues.
As Shah departs Mumbai, the Mahayuti alliance finds itself at a crossroads. The upcoming Assembly elections will be a test of the alliance's unity and its ability to capitalize on its combined strength. Shah's intervention, while aimed at securing victory for the BJP, also underscores the importance of addressing the concerns of its allies and ensuring their continued support. The success of the Mahayuti hinges on its ability to navigate internal tensions and present a unified front to the electorate, a task that falls largely on Shah's shoulders.
Source: Amit Shah in troubleshooter mode, BJP partners in Maharashtra may get desired seat share