Narendra Modi's US visit no less than divine providence for Maharashtra BJP

Unattached to the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, the BJP will chant "Chattrapati ka ashirwaad, chalo chalen Modi ke saath (with the blessings of Chhatrapati Shivaji, let's go with Modi)" in the run up to the state polls.

Over the next five days, Narendra Modi, BJP's star campaigner, would be the face beamed into homes across the country. Almost every aspect of the PM's US visit and each minute of his Madison Square Garden event will be aired by Indian news channels.

For the BJP, which will now heavily rely on the "Modi magic" for the assembly elections, the PM's engagement could not have come at a more opportune time.

"The US trip was obviously not timed with the Maharashtra poll. But in today's context it would have an impact on voters. Maharashtra has an aspirational class and connectivity with the US. The US is perceived to be a symbol of the aspirational class," said BJP vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who belongs to Maharashtra.

On his return from US, Modi will address about ten rallies in Maharashtra, said sources. The BJP, which is not projecting a chief ministerial face, is all set to cash in on Modi's image. According to Sahasrabuddhe, Modi is seen as a leader who thinks out of the box and is changing the work culture in the country. "The campaign would be an extension of the Lok Sabha elections. People are still in the mood to back Modi."

The development-focused campaign in Maharashtra will also emphasise on performance of BJP governments at the Centre and neighbouring states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, a party leader said. Besides Modi, union minister Nitin Gadkari, Prakash Javadekar and Smriti Irani will also campaign in Maharashtra, a party leader said.