MVA legislators in touch with BJP, says Maharashtra BJP chief Bawankule

‘These leaders feel neglected by their respective parties, citing lack of support and attention to issues faced by constituencies’

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday (December 11, 2024) claimed that several MPs and MLAs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) were dissatisfied with their alliance and had been reaching out to the BJP.

“These leaders feel neglected by their respective parties, citing lack of support and attention to constituency issues. They have expressed their concerns about the absence of constructive meetings to address local matters,” he said. 

Responding to allegations of ‘Operation Lotus’ [alleged BJP bid to engineer defection through pressure tactics], Mr. Bawankule said, “Investigative agencies are performing their duties independently. The claims of misuse of the ED and the CBI are the usual complaints by MVA leaders. However, those willing to join us in support of PM Modi’s vision of a developed India and under Devendra Fadnavis’ leadership are welcome.”

Asked about BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar’s recent remarks against senior NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar, the State BJP chief called them inappropriate and assured that the MLA would be warned by the party. Regarding Cabinet expansion, he said leaders of the three allies in Mahayuti, in consultation with Central leadership, would take a coordinated decision.

‘Drama won’t work’

He criticised the MVA for creating a “fake narrative” about electronic voting machines (EVMs) to influence the upcoming local body elections. “Instead of blaming EVMs, MVA leaders should introspect where they fell short during the election. The Supreme Court has already dismissed their objections, stating that EVMs are not the issue. This repetitive drama won’t yield results,” he added.

“Patole (Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief) barely managed to win his seat. Instead of introspecting why people rejected its policies, the Congress continues to fumble. Their internal contradictions, such as senior Congress leader Anil Wadpalliwar opposing the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme in court, have also done harm to its image,” he said. 

He said that after 2019, the BJP accepted its shortcomings, returned to the people, worked across levels, and rebuilt the organisation. “The Opposition, however, continues with theatrics rather than self-analysis,” Mr. Bawankule said.

Speaking about the ongoing debate over the Leader of the Opposition post in the Assembly, the senior BJP leader said, “The Speaker will take an appropriate decision based on laws and rules. But the Opposition must reflect on why they couldn’t even secure enough public support to claim this position.”

Published - December 11, 2024 07:27 pm IST