Modi blows the bugle for poll campaign

State BJP president Devendra Fadnavis said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Mumbai for an official function. So, we don’t look at it as a political campaign. But his resolve to address the problems of SEZs, power scarcity, unemployment, boost the export sector, thrust on manufacturing sectors, modernisation of military forces and security along the coastal stretch cannot be overlooked and would go a long way in the development of Maharashtra and the country.”

He added: “The Modi factor that worked magic in Lok Sabha elections is still high in the minds of the people. And we know it will help us fight the administrative failure of the Congress-NCP government.”

However, Congress president Manikrao Thakre differed. “Modi can never set aside his politics from government. And this visit was no different. We will counter the charges he made against the UPA/state government in our campaign.”

In Solapur, Modi mentioned how he expedited the project of raising the height of Narmada dam in Gujarat that would provide electricity worth Rs 450 crore to Maharashtra for free. This decision was pending with the PMO for the last 60 years, he added.

“Power scarcity had badly hit the people and farmers. I promise 24-hour power in these regions (Western Maharashtra and Marathwada),”said Modi. Power is a sensitive issue in parts of Western Maharashtra and Marathwada as farmers are reeling under drought and loans.

Modi also said Solapur was once the textile hub but was languishing now because of neglect.

After his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, the Congress had taken a dig at Modi for not mentioning the name of Shivaji in his address. The Shivaji statue is a poll agenda of the Congress-NCP combine. A day after in Mumbai, Modi chanted “Chhatrapati Shivaji ki jai” more than once to make up for it. He said Shivaji was a great visionary who used sea to promote commerce and trade in ancient India.

Talking about SEZs, Modi said: “The CM tells me 146 SEZs were stalled because of tax policies. Now, my government will take measures to tackle the problems. SEZs will boost both export and employment.”

The Congress, meanwhile, wonders if Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan made a mistake by talking about the SEZs. An AICC functionary said: “Modi surely knows how to capitalise on issues and the SEZ failure is due to land acquisition Act and tax policies.”
Fadnavis, however, said: “In the SEZ sector, the government is to be blamed as their motive was not to boost industry and provide employment. It was bound to boomerang if the motive is suspect.”