Even as it seeks votes in the name of Modi, party, in stern message, tells local leaders that they must beat rivals at ward level if they want a ticket in next BMC polls
Piyush Goyal, BJP candidate from Mumbai North, campaigning in Malad. Pics/Atul Kamble
- The BJP is auditing the work of former corporators for the election
- The fate of each corporator hinges on the number of votes they get from their ward
- Those who can’t secure a lead face slim chances of getting a ticket
The BJP is auditing the work of former corporators for the election. The fate of each corporator hinges on the number of votes they get from their ward for the Lok Sabha candidate. Those who can’t secure a lead face slim chances of getting a ticket for the next corporation election.
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After lengthy discussions between both alliances, all candidates in Mumbai started campaigning for the election. There was competition between Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP over seat sharing.
BJP supporters during Goyal’s campaign in Malad
BJP grass-roots workers and office bearers advocated for contesting elections from at least 4-5 constituencies in Mumbai. Eventually, both parties agreed to contest 3-3 seats in Mumbai. However, the BJP is cautious and aims to minimise risks in the election. Candidates should not be affected by party displeasure at the local level. Therefore, BJP has decided to audit the work done by former corporators for the election, as their performance can determine the future of the corporation. “The work done by former corporators in the election will be reviewed after the election,” said Vinod Mishra, a former party leader in BMC of BJP.
Vinod Mishra, BJP, former leader in BMC
Sources claim that Mumbai BJP will prepare a report for each ward, which will be submitted to the state party leadership. The state party leadership will then review the work. “Eighty corporators of BJP who were elected in the 2017 election are currently working. These corporators are expected to secure leads from their wards. Additionally, 10 to 15 corporators who were elected in previous elections also have this responsibility,” said sources.
BJP supporters during a rally in Mumbai. Pic/Atul Kamble
In the name of Modi
Regarding the campaign strategy, both Shiv Sena and BJP leaders have instructed ground-level leaders to appeal for votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “MLA Ravindra Waikar is our candidate. He has done good work in his constituency. His name is also there. But we are campaigning as if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a candidate everywhere. We are asking for votes from voters in the name of the country, God, dharma, and Narendra Modi (dev, desh aur dharma),” Mishra told mid-day. Mishra added, “The party has assigned responsibility to every former corporator to reach every household in the ward, mobilise people to vote, and secure leads from the ward.” However, a former corporator of Shiv Sena's South Mumbai constituency, speaking anonymously, mentioned that they are urging voters to support both the candidate and to re-elect Modi as prime minister.
Vinod Mishra, BJP leader. Pic/Ashish Raje
May 20
Day of polls
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