Road to Maha seat of power runs through Vidarbha, says Shah

Nagpur: Union home minister Amit Shah has set an ambitious target for Mahayuti alliance in the ensuing Maharashtra assembly elections, calling on BJP cadre to secure at least 45 of 62 seats in Vidarbha. Addressing BJP office-bearers at Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur, Shah emphasised that winning Vidarbha is crucial for the party's return to power in Maharashtra.
On the second day of his two-day Maharashtra visit, Shah outlined a clear strategy to achieve this goal, urging cadres to raise the vote share by at least 10% at every polling booth. "The road to Maharashtra's power runs through Vidarbha," he said, stressing the importance of grassroots engagement.
Boost Ground Engagement, Reach Opposing Cadres
The home minister urged party members to not only focus on BJP loyalists, but to actively engage with activists from opposition parties. "We must bring them to our fold. Many of them may be unhappy with their current parties. We are ready to accommodate anyone, regardless of their past affiliations," he said, laying out a strategy aimed at widening party's support base.
Unity Above All: No Room for Factionalism
Acknowledging internal differences within the party, Shah called for unity, urging workers and leaders to set aside personal grievances for the greater good. "A true party worker is one who never needs to be convinced to fight for the party," he remarked, in a direct appeal to those harbouring discontent.
Shah was clear that factionalism within BJP would not be tolerated, especially in the run-up to crucial state elections. He also addressed the issue of ticket allocation, warning there should be no dissent if someone is denied a ticket. "Bitterness must be set aside. This is the time to work for the ‘lotus' (BJP symbol) and the greater cause of the party," he said.
Focus on Allies for a Clear Majority
While highlighting the importance of BJP's own performance, the senior BJP leader also stressed on the significance of party's allies in the Mahayuti alliance, particularly Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). He urged BJP cadres to work as hard for their allies' candidates as they would for their own. "Whether the candidate fights under the ‘clock' (NCP symbol) or the ‘bow and arrow' (Sena symbol), the effort must be the same," he stated, emphasising BJP alone could not form the govt without their support.
No Disappointment Over Lok Sabha Results
Shah also addressed the disappointing results in recent Lok Sabha elections, where BJP could bag only 9 seats. He urged party workers to not lose heart. "BJP still emerged as the dominant force. Narendra Modi became Prime Minister for the third time. This assembly election is an opportunity to restore our strength and ensure a decisive victory," he said, rallying cadres for the upcoming challenge.
Govt Initiatives to Drive Support
The home minister highlighted various schemes launched by both state and central govts as key talking points for the campaign. He mentioned the Ladli Bahin Yojana, which provides financial aid to women, and the provision of free electricity for farmers. These initiatives, he said, would resonate with Vidarbha's electorate and boost BJP's performance in the region. "We are addressing the unique challenges of Vidarbha, and I am confident work done by our govts will translate into votes," Shah added.
Allies' Success Vital for BJP's Govt Formation
Reiterating the importance of alliance politics, BJP's master strategist made it clear BJP alone cannot form the govt. He urged party workers to put in equal effort for candidates from allied parties. "Whether it's the ‘clock' (NCP) or the ‘bow and arrow' (Shiv Sena), victory is crucial across the board," he said, underscoring that Mahayuti's success hinges on collective effort.
Box BOX BOX 1: Shah Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Top Leaders
Shah held a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders, including Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar. Party insiders suggest the discussion focused on seat-sharing arrangements for upcoming assembly elections, particularly in Vidarbha, where allies are demanding a larger share of seats. Although BJP has traditionally been the dominant force in Vidarbha, allies like the Shiv Sena and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) are expected to ask for more seats in this election.
Box 2: Waqf Board Bill to Be Introduced in Next Session
During his address, Shah also announced the Waqf Board Bill would be introduced in the next session of Parliament. Initially tabled in August 2024, the bill is currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee following opposition protests. Shah took the opportunity to highlight BJP-led govt's major achievements in the past decade, including construction of the Ram Temple, abrogation of Article 370, ban on triple talaq, and passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act. "Many believed these tasks were impossible, but the BJP govt made them a reality. The Waqf Board law will be the next in line," he assured cadres.