Ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a series of attacks on the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), and the Congress party. Addressing a BJP conclave in Pune, Shah referred to the MVA as the "Aurangzeb fan club," alleging that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray leads this group.
He criticised Thackeray for sharing meals with individuals involved with Kasab, supporting the Popular Front of India (PFI), and opposing the renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar.
Shah also accused the Congress party of spreading misconceptions about reservation. He emphasised that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, reservations have been extended, countering claims by the opposition that the BJP would end reservations.
Shah argued that Congress, despite ruling the country for decades, has failed to uplift the poor and cannot ensure "garib kalyan" (welfare of the poor), a task he claimed only the BJP can accomplish.
The BJP conclave took place in the context of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra, where the state will go to polls for the 288-member legislative assembly later this year. The Election Commission has yet to announce the dates.
Shah accused Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar of disabling Maratha reservation whenever his party came to power. He vowed that the BJP, if voted to power, would continue the Maratha reservation in the state.
Shah highlighted that the Maratha reservation was granted under the BJP government led by Devendra Fadnavis in 2014 and extended for ten years during Modi's tenure.
Shah further praised Modi for working to provide 33 percent reservation for women representatives in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He criticised the opposition for their misconceptions and reiterated the BJP's commitment to reservation and welfare for the poor.
Highlighting the BJP's success in the Lok Sabha elections, Shah noted that the party won for the third consecutive time while the Congress failed to breach the 240-seat mark.
He expressed pride in Modi becoming the Prime Minister for the third time in 60 years and urged the people of Maharashtra to give a greater mandate to the BJP in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections.
Shah also accused Sharad Pawar of being the mastermind of corruption in Indian politics, stating that he had institutionalised corruption. He dismissed allegations of corruption against the BJP, arguing that the opposition has no grounds to accuse them.
Shah pointed out the recent controversy over an alleged milk powder import circular, claiming that it was issued during Pawar's time and not under the current government. He assured that no milk powder would be imported for the next five years.
Shah's speech highlighted the BJP's stance on reservation, corruption, and the importance of ensuring security in Maharashtra. He urged voters to support the BJP for continued development and safety in the state.
As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains charged with these accusations and promises, setting the stage for a contentious battle at the polls.
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