Maharashtra BJP will trumpet Narendra Modi march

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra plans to make a splash in the assembly elections by listing the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

What is the strategy?
The strategy, chalked out by the party's national president Amit Shah, aims to showcase the achievements of the Modi government within the past four months.

The party's leaders believe that this will have the required impact on the minds of people across the state and help to make inroads particularly in the new areas.

What is the reasoning?
"The focus of the campaign will be on development of the state as Modiji's attitude towards progress and development has already had a significant influence on the minds of the youth across the country," said a senior BJP leader.

He felt that young people were watching Modi's activities closely and that they would be glued to the TV sets during his visit to the US. "Whether it was his speech at ISRO or at the launch of the 'Make in India' campaign, all this could translate into votes for the party," the senior BJP leader said.

What are the issues?
The manifesto committee has meticulously planned several aspects that will be covered during the campaign. Naturally, this would include promises of better infrastructure and facilities so that the state attracts more investment.

"A conducive environment for the trading community and corporates would ensure better investment. Good infrastructure will expand employment and therefore development. This can be achieved only if we work in tandem with the central government. Since it is our government at the Centre, it would be easier for us to assure the people," said a senior party leader.

Is the Naxal concern an issue?
According to sources, the Naxal issue is also at the top of the mind of the state BJP. Rajnath Singh, union home minister, has already said that the Centre will work towards development of the areas infested by Naxals, something that has been neglected by the Congress-NCP government over the past decade. This is an aspect that will be exploited by the BJP in certain constituencies.