BJP-Led NDA Plans Strategic Moves in Maharashtra Amid Potential Defeat in State Polls

The BJP-led Mahayuti, or National Democratic Alliance (NDA), in Maharashtra, which includes Shiv Sena-Shinde and NCP-Ajit Pawar, is facing a challenging scenario as it prepares for the upcoming state assembly elections. If the trends from the recent Lok Sabha elections are any indication, the NDA might be heading towards a possible defeat. In the Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti suffered a significant setback against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) or INDIA bloc, which comprises Congress, Sena-UBT, and NCP-Sharad Pawar. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA secured 41 out of 48 seats, but in the recent elections, they managed to win only 17 seats.

The recent Maharashtra Legislature Council Elections for four seats saw both the Mahayuti and the MVA winning two seats each, indicating a tough road ahead for the NDA. The Maharashtra assembly has 288 seats, with the majority mark set at 145. If the current Lok Sabha trends translate into the assembly segment results, the NDA is projected to win around 120 seats, while the INDIA bloc may secure 160 seats. Aware of these potential outcomes, the BJP is strategizing to replicate its success in Madhya Pradesh in Maharashtra.

Ladali Behan vs Ladki Bahin

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP achieved a landslide victory, largely due to the popularity of the Ladali Behan scheme, which provides women with a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,250. Inspired by this success, the Maharashtra government is planning to introduce a similar scheme called the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme, offering eligible women Rs 1,500 per month.

Maharashtra has a total of 9.29 crore voters, with 4.46 crore women and 4.83 crore men. Official data reveals that out of the 4.46 crore women voters, only 2.63 crore participated in the general elections. The BJP aims to attract this significant vote bank by combining the Ladki Bahin Yojana with the Central government’s flagship schemes like PM Awas and Ujjwala Yojana.

Opposition’s Reaction

NCP (SP) Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule acknowledged the announcement but criticized its timing, suggesting it is an election ‘jumla’ (gimmick). She pointed out that with the Maharashtra elections just 2 to 3 months away, such announcements were expected from the state government.

The upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, scheduled for October, are crucial for achieving political stability in the state, which has experienced an uncertain government over the past five years. The split within Shiv Sena and NCP will be significant factors, along with the poll promises. The opposition, led by Congress, is likely to adopt a strategy similar to its Karnataka model, promising free bus services, electricity, and financial aid for women and unemployed graduates.

Summary

• NDA’s Challenge: Facing potential defeat in Maharashtra state polls based on recent Lok Sabha trends.
• Recent Performance: NDA won 17 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats, down from 41 in 2019.
• Council Elections: Both Mahayuti and MVA won two seats each in the Maharashtra Legislature Council Elections.
• Assembly Projections: NDA likely to win around 120 seats, INDIA bloc around 160 seats.
• Strategic Move: Maharashtra government plans ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme, inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Ladali Behan’ scheme.
• Voter Demographics: Maharashtra has 4.46 crore women voters, with only 2.63 crore voting in general elections.
• Opposition’s Critique: NCP’s Supriya Sule calls the scheme an election gimmick.
• Upcoming Elections: Maharashtra assembly polls due in October, with political stability and split within Shiv Sena and NCP being key factors.
• Opposition Strategy: Congress likely to promise free bus services, electricity, and financial aid for women and unemployed graduates.