BJP to Support NCP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra Elections, Dismisses Friendly Fight Rumors

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated on Tuesday that the party will support its Mahayuti allies, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, in the upcoming state elections. Bawankule dismissed reports suggesting a friendly contest in 25 constituencies where alliance partners are vying for seats. "These reports are baseless. The BJP will throw more weight behind the candidates of NCP and Shiv Sena," he said.

When questioned about an accident involving his son's Audi car in Nagpur, Bawankule mentioned that the investigation is ongoing. "Let there be an investigation in the case. Be it my son or anybody's son, whatever rules are there, they should be applied. It is a matter for the police to investigate, I am thankful to God that no one was injured," he said.

Survey Predictions and Government Schemes

Responding to a social media post by NCP SP leader Rohit Pawar, which cited a survey predicting 65 to 70 seats for BJP, 17 to 22 seats for Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and only 7 to 11 seats for Ajit Pawar-led NCP in the assembly elections, Bawankule remarked that some people find joy in such surveys. He emphasised that the Modi-led government would remain at the Centre for five years and highlighted the importance of Mahayuti's return to power for continuing central and state schemes.

Bawankule warned that if Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comes to power, it would halt these schemes. "MVA coming to power means closure of Ladki Bahin Yojana and free electricity to farmers. When Uddhav Thackeray was CM, the MVA had stopped 15 schemes," he noted.

Credit Tussle Over Ladki Bahin Yojana

Addressing the ongoing tussle among BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP over credit for the flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana for women, Bawankule accused the Opposition of spreading rumours about a rift within Mahayuti due to the scheme's success. "The Opposition had panicked because of the scheme's success," he said.

Bawankule reiterated that BJP's focus remains on supporting its allies and ensuring the continuation of beneficial schemes. He stressed that any internal disputes would not affect their collective goal of winning the state elections.