Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed a rally in Ramtek. He said, "...NDA's bumper win can be seen in the surveys that are shown...When Modi starts getting abused the trend is 'Abh ki baar 400 paar'. When they start abusing my mother or my later father understand that 'Abh ki baar 400 paar' and when questions are raised on the EVM, the trend is 'Abh ki baar 400 paar'..."
The rally was in support for the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate in the Ramtek constituency. The rally aimed to bolster backing for Shiv Sena’s Raju Parwe, a key contender in the upcoming polls. PM Modi’s visit to Nagpur follows a series of election rallies across various states, including Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The rally in Ramtek underscores the NDA’s concerted efforts to consolidate support for Raju Parwe, who joined Shiv Sena earlier in March.
Preparations and political landscape
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena faction led by Raju Parwe, inspected the rally grounds ahead of PM Modi’s visit. With the polling date approaching, CM Shinde ensured that all arrangements were in place, despite earlier rainfall in Nagpur.
Maharashtra’s electoral significance
Ramtek, slated for polling on April 19, represents the opening phase of Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections. With 48 seats at stake, Maharashtra holds significant electoral sway, second only to Uttar Pradesh. The BJP and Shiv Sena, allies in previous elections, secured a substantial victory in 2019, winning 23 out of 25 contested seats.
Political realignment
Recent political realignments, including the split within Shiv Sena, have reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape. CM Eknath Shinde’s breakaway faction’s alliance with the BJP signals significant shifts in the state’s political dynamics.
Upcoming polling phases
Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections will unfold in five phases, spanning from April 19 to May 20. The fragmented political landscape sets the stage for a closely watched electoral battle, with parties vying for dominance amidst evolving alliances and new power dynamics.
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