Pune: Following a mediocre performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming assembly elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Pune on Sunday, reviewed the political landscape with senior party leaders and also engaged with leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Shah has initiated steps to challenge Sharad Pawar’s stronghold in western Maharashtra.
At the Balewadi Sports Complex, Shah addressed BJP officials and workers, emphasizing the importance of the cooperative sector. Shah’s discussions with Pune MP and Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol underscored a strategic focus on challenging Pawar’s dominance.
Mohol, who holds the position of Minister of State in the Ministry of Cooperation, will play a crucial role in this strategy.
In meetings held with BJP and RSS officials on Saturday evening, Shah laid out plans for the assembly elections. Discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday morning highlighted potential seat allocations, with the BJP likely to contest six out of the eight assembly seats in Pune city, while the Ajit Pawar faction may receive two seats.
The cooperative sector in western Maharashtra poses a significant challenge for the BJP due to its deep-rooted influence. Despite attempts to integrate leaders from both Congress factions, the BJP faced setbacks in the recent Lok Sabha elections, prompting Shah to give special attention to this region.
A senior BJP official disclosed that six prominent sugar barons met with Shah on Sunday (July 21) morning, though their identities remain confidential. These individuals might receive BJP candidacies from Sangli and Kolhapur, which could alter the election dynamics.
Western Maharashtra, comprising 58 assembly seats, is now a focal point for the BJP. Murlidhar Mohol has been tasked with overseeing this region, coordinating efforts with the central leadership.
Known as the "cooperative belt" due to its extensive network of sugar mills and banks, western Maharashtra is a critical battleground where Mohol is being empowered to disrupt Pawar’s influence.