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1. On what specific issues will you primarily seek votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha and November 2024 State Assembly elections in Maharashtra?  

 

At this moment, our focus is the Lok Sabha election. We are seeking votes for Viksit Bharat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked hard to make India a powerful nation and every Indian is proud of him. 

 

His dedication to uplifting the poor & marginalised people, empowering women, visionary approach to youth development and relentless work for the farmers has reached the last person standing.

 

We are appealing to voters to keep the momentum going to make Viksit Bharat.

 

2. The Maratha reservation issue has been a contentious one, with Manoj Jarange Patil leading rallies demanding quotas. How do you plan to address this issue, and what impact do you anticipate Patil's rallies will have on the NDA's electoral prospects? 

 

The Maratha reservation issue is before the judiciary at this moment. So any comment on it must be avoided. Devendra Fadnavis government in the past had provided reservations to the Maratha community and MVA lost in protecting the same. So, the onus of losing the reservation in the court is with MVA.

 

Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadvnais-Ajit Pawar led Mahayuti government has again provided the reservation. 

 

The state government has cleared that it will provide reservation to the Maratha community and at the same time, it will protect the reservation of OBCs. 

 

The Maratha community knows that the state government is making every possible effort to provide sustainable reservations. So, the issue of political impact does not arise. - Hand of Sharad Pawar in the rallies exposed recently. People understand the political meaning of it. 

 

3. In 2019, you were denied a BJP ticket, leading to a perception that the party had sidelined you. Did the Congress or any other opposition party approach you during that period, and if so, what was the nature of their overtures? 

 

I have been in politics for more than 3 and a half decades. BJP is the party where your dedication to the party case matters and nothing else. Ticket or no ticket I have been working and the party assigned me as the state president. 

 

 The BJP is a cadre-based party and I am a loyal party worker.  So, there was no chance for Congress or any other party to approach me. 

4. If the NDA wins the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, which party within the alliance will have the prerogative to choose the Chief Minister, The BJP or the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)? 

 

 As I told you, neither BJP nor Shivsena is thinking of the assembly election at this moment. - The focus is making Shri Narendra Modi Prime Minister Again. - We are not deviating from the cause. - Ifs and Buts do not matter in politics when general elections are in progress. 

 

5. The BJP has been in power in Maharashtra for over eight years. What specific achievements or factors do you believe will work in the party's favour and convince voters to extend their mandate? 

 

BJP’s work can be measured in several areas such as infrastructure development, industrial growth, startup, employment growth, support for agriculture, curated schemes for women, electrification of the state etc. The most important part is that Maharashtra worked as an engine of growth for Bharat and I believe it’s crucial. 

 

6. The opposition has accused the BJP of failing to check the diversion of investment by companies from Maharashtra to Gujarat. How do you plan to counter this narrative and assure voters of the party's commitment to Maharashtra's economic development?

 

Maharashtra is the most favourite destination for the industries. We attracted maximum FDI. We have the largest number of startups. Opposition propaganda of defaming the state for political mileage has failed. Maharashtra was number one and Maharashtra is number one state.

 

Every state is competing for the number one destination. We are Bharat. Gujarat is not an enemy state. The way the opposition presents the other state is dangerous for the federal structure. I appeal to opposition leaders to refrain from sowing animosity among the states. 

 

7. In 2014, the BJP campaigned heavily against the alleged corruption of Ashok Chavan and Ajit Pawar. Now that they are part of the NDA alliance, how will you address voter concerns about these alliances and convince them of your party's stance on corruption? 

 

Many leaders have joined the BJP. They joined to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make Viksit Bharat. They believe that Modi ji can take the country to the next level of development. - The court shall decide the fate of those who are accused. 

 

8. Despite having Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the NDA's face, the BJP has sought support from Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has only one MLA. What is the rationale behind this move, and how do you plan to reconcile the ideological differences between the two parties? 

 

Raj Thackeray is supporting Modi ji for the same dream that 140 crore Bharatiya are seeing. - Ideologically BJP is a strong supporter of Hindutva and has a development agenda. There are no differences between the ideology of MNS and BJP. 

 

9. There have been allegations that central agencies like the CBI and ED have gone slow in investigating cases against NCP leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif after they joined the NDA. How do you respond to these claims, and what steps will you take to ensure impartial investigations?

 

 hen these leaders were with Sharad Pawar they were innocent, according to Sharad Pawar. When Sharad Pawar dedicated his party to his daughter, those who opposed him became foes for Sharad Pawar. Making allegations against his former colleague is not new for Sharad Pawar. 

 

10. There have been reports of defections from other parties to the BJP in Maharashtra. Do you expect more high-profile leaders to join the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls, and if so, how will you manage the potential internal conflicts and power struggles?

 

 Many opposition leaders are willing to join the BJP. We have a system placed to analyse the situation. We have state and national committees that decide whom to allow entry into the party. The BJP is a cadre-based party where the nation is first, then the party and lastly our own interests So, there will be no conflict of interest in BJP. 

 

11. Uddhav Thackeray has expressed a willingness to rejoin the NDA if certain conditions are met. Under what circumstances would the BJP be open to this reunion, and what would be the party's stance on Thackeray's potential role? 

 

Uddhav Thackeray is the worst chief minister Maharashtra ever saw. He is seeing the forthcoming defeat in the Lok Sabha election and spreading the message of reconciliation.  We don’t count his presence. 

 

12. The recent incident of a BJP MLA firing at Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers in Ulhasnagar has highlighted the rivalries between the two allies at the local level. How do you plan to address these tensions and ensure a cohesive alliance on the ground?

 

We are addressing each issue separately. Such incidents are exceptional and are being taken care of. On the ground, Mahayuti is united; performing at its best. 

 

13. During a recent media interaction, you advised BJP workers to take reporters to a dhaba (roadside eatery) to avoid negative publicity. Can you clarify the context and intent behind this statement? 

 

That was inappropriate reporting. My words were twisted. My intent was presented in the wrong manner. 

 

14. Allegations of corruption and scams, such as the Mumbai Coastal Road Project and the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, have plagued the BJP's tenure in Maharashtra. What concrete steps will you take to address these concerns, ensure transparency, and restore public trust in governance?  

 

People trust the BJP for its transparency and iron handiness in addressing corruption. We are always open to any kind of public inquiry. The opposition instead of choosing a legal way; makes a publicity stunt. People are well aware of their intentions. 

 

15. Maharashtra has witnessed a significant number of farmer suicides due to agrarian distress. Beyond loan waivers, what specific policies and initiatives will the BJP implement to address the root causes of this crisis and provide long-term relief to farmers? 

 

The Modi government and state government have implemented several schemes including Kisan Sanman Yojana. Besides, the DBT has reduced the corruption. These steps are helping the farmers.  Climate change and market connectivity are the two crucial issues. Our government is working tirelessly to address those. 

 

16. Air pollution, water scarcity, and other environmental issues have become pressing concerns in Maharashtra, particularly in urban areas like Mumbai. Outline the BJP's comprehensive plan to tackle these challenges and promote sustainable development without compromising economic growth. 

 

Maharashtra is the most urbanised state. We are working on several initiatives such as electric vehicles, green energy and tap water to address the issues. Strengthening public transportation, and shifting to e vehicles shall help in curbing air pollution. Making cities congestion-free is the biggest challenge which is being addressed using an integrated public transport system. 

 

We are concentrating on better town planning and taking the planning to the village level. Making rivers and streams clean is part of the planning. Major projects are being taken to keep the water resources clean and sustainable. 

 

17. Despite various initiatives, incidents of violence against women and issues related to their safety and empowerment persist in Maharashtra. What targeted measures will the BJP undertake to ensure the security and progress of women, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas of the state? 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided reservations to the women for the Parliament. So, the BJP’s aim is clear: Empowering women. We are committed to providing security and safety to every sister and mother of this state and country. - Changing the mindset of the men at the early stage of life is necessary. I have a daughter and understand the need for such a mindset as a parent.