Shah’s visit assumes importance as it coincides with the rising communal clashes in Maharashtra and the growing bitterness between the ruling and Opposition parties.
State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “Shah will arrive in Nanded to address a public rally. It is a part of the outreach programme organised to celebrate the nine years of the Narendra Modi government.” Notably, there has been a spurt in the number of communal clashes in Akola, Kolhapur, Dhule and Ahmednagar in the last few days. BJP insiders said Shah will certainly speak on the state development’s but will also convey a strong socio political message.
Till now, at least 14 Union ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have visited Maharashtra to celebrate Modi’s nine years in the Centre. Maharashtra is an important state with 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJP’s top leadership is putting all efforts to maximise its electoral gains.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had won 23 seats. Its ally Shiv Sena had got 18 seats. Now, with Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) as an alliance partner and Maha Vikas Aghadi putting up a united front, BJP is up for a challenge to meet its ambitious target of 42 plus out of the 48 seats in Lok Sabha.
