In a bid to reach youth, Shiv Sena launches statewide job fairs

Shiv Sena, which is currently engaged in a tug of war with BJP, will soon launch its own reach out the programme across Maharashtra. The party intends to reach the core youth constituency on the plank of job creation ahead of 2019 polls. Hence, through the Sena controlled industries ministry, it will launch 'Balasaheb Thackeray Rojgar Melas' (job fairs) in all 36 districts of the state with a tagline of 'Naate Vishwasache Ujwal Bhavishyache' (Faithful bond for a brighter future). The first Rojgar Mela will take place on June 16 in Pune and cover all districts by end of December.

The timing is crucial as the BJP at the national level has already launched its reach out a project under which union ministers, ministers in party-ruled states, MPs, MLAs, office bearers and mayors will meet one lakh eminent people and opinion makers.

Industries minister Subhash Desai told DNA, "During such rojgar melas, industries from across the sectors will be present and job aspirants will be interviewed. Jobs will be provided right there. Besides, training will be provided to youths to increase their skill sets so that they can tap those opportunities. In addition to this, self-employment and start-ups will also be promoted." He informed that a website will be launched for early registration and spot registration.

Shiv Sena's move is crucial especially when it has decided to go solo. However, ally BJP has reiterated that the alliance should continue. This is also Sena's counter to BJP's organisational build up of up to 90,000 booths to lure the youth. PM Modi is increasingly facing flak over his failure to provide 2 crore jobs as promised during 2014 poll campaign.

Shiv Sena MP, who is close to party president Uddhav Thackeray, said, "It is party's conscious decision to connect with youth and the new generation of voters with new aspirations. These voters may not strike a chord with party veterans. By organising job fairs, we want to prove that Shiv Sena does not merely speak, but also delivers.'' He informed that by making newly appointed Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray the face of youth, the party has made its intention very clear. Aditya will also be roped in for the programme.