Maharashtra Assembly Polls: Campaign Heats Up with Welfare Schemes, Emotional Appeals, and Divisive Slogans
As Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming state assembly elections, the political landscape has become increasingly heated with various factions making emotional appeals, rolling out welfare schemes, and engaging in a war of words. The campaign, initially focused on welfare initiatives and development, has now evolved into a battleground where terms like ‘vote jihad’, ‘dharma yuddha’, and ‘Constitution under threat’ dominate the discourse, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the state.
The Rise of ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme
One of the most significant focal points of the election campaign is the Ladki Bahin scheme, introduced by the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with the Shiv Sena, BJP, and the faction of Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This scheme, which promises financial aid to women, has become a cornerstone of the ruling alliance’s appeal to voters. Launched in July, the scheme provides Rs. 1,500 monthly to women, with over 2.3 crore women benefiting so far. The Shinde government even preemptively paid the November installment before the election’s model code of conduct went into effect, further emphasizing its commitment to women’s welfare.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Campaign Against ‘Betrayal’
On the other side of the political spectrum, Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, has been relentlessly attacking the betrayal of his party by Eknath Shinde and other defectors who left the Shiv Sena to form a new government in 2022. Thackeray’s rhetoric has centered around the notion of defeating “gaddars” (traitors), emphasizing the emotional turmoil caused by the break in his once-dominant party.
Similarly, Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP (SP), has been on a whirlwind tour of Maharashtra, rallying against the defection of his nephew, Ajit Pawar, who joined the ruling coalition as Deputy CM. Pawar has positioned the defection as a betrayal of the party’s core values, particularly highlighting the BJP’s past criticisms of Ajit Pawar. Despite this, BJP supporter Vinod Salunkhe from Mumbai expressed his resignation to supporting the BJP, saying that there was “no other alternative” for voters.
The ‘Batenge Toh Katenge’ Slogan and the Politics of Unity
As the election campaign heated up, the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition introduced a slogan, “Batenge toh Katenge” (divided we fall), which has sparked controversy. Critics, including BJP leaders like Pankaja Munde, have argued that the slogan was intended to signal unity. However, its divisive connotations have raised concerns, with some claiming that it promotes polarization. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the slogan, suggesting that its core message was about unity, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own phrase, “Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai” (united we are safe).
This rhetoric has found resonance with various sections of the electorate, but it has also drawn backlash. Activist Manoj Jarange Patil, known for his advocacy for Maratha reservation, toured the state urging voters to oppose those against reservation, further complicating the political narrative.
Welfare Measures and Divisive Politics
While welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin have become key selling points for the ruling alliance, issues like unemployment, migration, and rising costs of healthcare and education have taken a backseat in the current campaign. In rural parts of Maharashtra, issues like farm distress and the declining prices of crops such as soybean and cotton have been pressing concerns, but they have been notably absent from the political discourse. This shift in focus from economic issues to welfare politics and divisive slogans has marked a key turning point in the election.
The Role of National Leaders in the Campaign
As the election approaches, national leaders have also joined the fray. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have all made their presence felt, campaigning for their respective parties. Notably, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao, and Karnataka’s Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also made visits to Maharashtra to rally support for their allies.
A Close Contest in the 288-Member Assembly
The Maharashtra assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, will see over 9.7 crore eligible voters choosing representatives for the 288-member assembly. With emotional appeals, welfare schemes, and divisive rhetoric shaping the final stretch of the campaign, the outcome of the elections remains uncertain. As political alliances fracture and rival factions gear up for a bitter contest, the next few days will determine the future trajectory of Maharashtra’s political landscape.
