BJP banks on ‘Modi magic’ to take control of political narrative ahead of elections

“When you think of PM Narendra Modi, the first thing that comes to mind is his development work,” said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday.

Lifesize cut-outs of the PM have been installed along the route he will take on Thursday, especially the road leading to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s residence Matoshree, sending a not-so-subtle message.

In the presence of Modi, BJP and its alliance partner Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena are determined to “renew their pledge to take Mumbai to greater heights”, said a party leader.

However, BJP’s larger concern is to counter the sympathy factor which has worked in favour of the Shiv Sena (UBT) since split in the party. While the Eknath Shinde-led faction managed to form a government with the BJP, the latter is not sure how Mumbai residents will vote in the upcoming BMC polls, said sources.

“In the last six months, politics has overshadowed the development agenda. The internal bickering within the Shinde-Fadnavis government had made the power tussle public. Shinde faction MLAs vying for Cabinet berth are sulking… Congress, NCP and Sena (UBT) have been systematically attacking the government over loss of investment projects to Gujarat… The MVA has evoked ‘Marathi Asmita’ to project BJP as anti-Mumbai, anti-Marathi,” said a BJP leader.

“A number of such emotive issues have put the Shinde-Fadnavis government on the backfoot.” However, the BJP leader added, “The PM’s rally will help the Shinde-Fadnavis government bring development back as the main issue on the agenda.”

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar said, “The PM has never discriminated against Mumbai. All mega infrastructure projects worth several lakh crore were approved expeditiously during the BJP regime. All Centre’s clearances were fast-tracked whenever necessary.”

Meanwhile, the PM’s planned visit has put the Opposition on aggressive mode. Congress state chief Nana Patole said, “I wonder what the PM has to say on unemployment and farmers’ suicides in Maharashtra.”

NCP leader Suraj Chavan said, “The PM should launch the projects and leave Mumbai. He should not run away with Maharashtra projects to Gujarat.”