Poll Mantra: BRS focuses on Maharashtra's Marathwada, gives jitters to Pawar-led NCP

Pune/Hyderabad: Are Pawars scared of the growing clout of Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao in Marathwada?

Taking a jibe at Bharath Rashtra Samithi chief and Telangana chief minister KCR, Nationalist Congress Party senior leader Ajit Pawar likened him to former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers, Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav.

“Both Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav tried to gain a foothold in the western state (Maharashtra) but couldn’t succeed. They only got a few seats,” he said.

National leader

“BRS is expanding outside Telangana because KCR is trying to become a national leader. Regional parties can strengthen themselves outside their home states. No doubt, some MLAs as it has shown from the experience of UP leaders got elected. But that is it,” said Pawar.

NCP leaders who are “not sure of getting tickets to contest elections” are joining BRS.

The alliance between Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janta Party, and Maha Vikas Aghadi has reduced the chances of many political aspirants. Those who want to contest elections are now looking at BRS for an opportunity. Whether they will get the support of the people is a question that elections will decide.

KCR entry into Maharashtra

KCR has so far concentrated on Marathwada which is part of the erstwhile Hyderabad state. There is a close connection between the people in Nanded, Aurangabad, and Amravati with Telangana. People in this region prefer going to Hyderabad to Pune or Mumbai for their economic requirements. There is also a connection between the people in terms of language and history which makes them understand what KCR and his politics stand for. According to political observers in Mumbai, “BRS will get a few seats in Nanded, Aurangabad, and Amravati in the local level elections. For Lok Sabha elections, it will depend on the Assembly elections of Telangana.”

KCR says no to MVA

The opening of the Nagpur office on June 16 was a clear indication that BRS is working hard for the long haul. The party function in Nagpur saw a good turnout. At the same time, KCR made it clear that there will be no alliance with MVA- the main opposition party in Maharashtra.

KCR said, “We have seen so many fronts, United Front, National Front but these were not adequate. BRS is preparing its agenda which is based on the development and welfare of farmers. The party is for structural changes in the system and those who believe can join us. We are not going to be a part of any alliance.”

Maharashtra opposition gears up

The opposition parties in Maharashtra are now looking at BRS as another party that will penetrate their vote banks. According to sources in Maharashtra, “The ruling party in Maharashtra has a vote base which will not be affected by the entry of BRS. Those who are going to be affected most are the MVA partners. For this reason, both senior and junior Pawar are now vocal against BRS. Marathwada is going to see the maximum split in votes according to the present penetration of BRS. A lot of political aspirants who are not having a future with MVA will jump into BRS. Due to the proximity to Telangana, there is an understanding at the ground level. This will work most for BRS in converting local votes.”