As the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections approach in Maharashtra, the ruling MahaYuti alliance comprising the Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Nationalist Congress Party (AP) finds itself with dual reasons for optimism. The recent inauguration of the Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the resolution of the Marathas quotas issue provide the alliance with significant talking points ahead of the polls.
The BJP leader in Mumbai notes that the urban centers, especially Mumbai, are experiencing a buoyant mood after the inauguration of the Balakram Mandir on January 22. The inauguration is expected to be highlighted as a major achievement of the saffron government in the state and the Centre, becoming a key focus of the upcoming election campaign. The leader acknowledges the chilling memories associated with the demolition of the illegal structure in Ayodhya in 1992 and its aftermath, emphasizing that the completion of the Lord Ram Temple marks the culmination of aspirations supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On the Marathas reservation issue, a Thane leader mentions that the politically dominant community has reasons to rejoice after a long wait, and this development is likely to have a significant impact on the elections, despite remaining hurdles.
While the ruling alliance is positioned favorably, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies—Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (SP)—are attempting to shift the focus to "real issues of bread-and-butter" instead of emotional or religious politics. Uddhav Thackeray, president of Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed that it's time to move beyond the Lord Ram Mandir task and focus on addressing the pressing issues affecting the masses. He criticized the BJP for attempting to hijack Lord Ram for political gains.
The Congress state president highlighted concerns about inflation, unemployment, women's safety, and agricultural distress, asserting that the BJP needs to address these issues instead of relying on religious, caste, or emotional narratives.
As both sides craft their narratives, political realities such as divisions within the national opposition's I.N.D.I.A. bloc and crises in states like Punjab and West Bengal could also influence public perception. However, MVA leaders express confidence that ground realities, especially economic concerns, will weigh more heavily in the minds of voters compared to religious and caste considerations during the election campaign.
(With Agency Inputs)
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