Analysis: Behind BJP's "Pawar" Move, Its 2024 Plan For Maharashtra
NDTV
The change of political dynamics in Maharashtra works to the advantage of the BJP and its push to consolidate its Maratha and OBC support base before the polls.
The BJP's move to bring in Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs into the Maharashtra government comes at a time the party is holding a series a meetings to strengthen its organisation and narrative, reaching out to present and former political allies, and leaving no stone unturned to try and wrest maximum seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
The change of political dynamics in Maharashtra works to the advantage of the BJP and its push to consolidate its Maratha and OBC support base before the polls.
Maharashtra's significance comes from the fact that it accounts for not just the largest GDP in the country but is also the most industrialised state. It is also the second largest contributor of MPs (48) after Uttar Pradesh (80). With the BJP losing Karnataka, and specifically Bengaluru to the Congress, it is even more important for the BJP to retain Maharashtra and Mumbai, which have seen many political upheavals in the last two years.
With just nine months to go for the polls, it is only predictable that politics will take over governance. Sunday's developments are part of a concerted attempt by the BJP to set aside differences with small parties such as the NCP and move forward keeping 2024 in mind.
