The BJP showed yet again that it has mastered the art of appropriating things that may help its political upsurge. The bhoomipujan of Shivaji Maharaj Memorial and the city’s big ticket infrastructure projects should go a long way if we were to remember it for excellence in conduct and largesse. But what hit our ears was political overtones that the ground-breaking ceremony sounded loud and clear. Saying that the BJP launched its campaign for the BMC polls may be a rhetoric, but calling the function a successful attempt of suppressing a depleted Shiv Sena further will be more appropriate.

Apart from pushing the Sena into a corner, the BJP hit many birds in a single throw. With government machinery at its disposal, the cadres were mobilised on a mammoth scale to establish that the BJP alone cared for a cause that a restive Maratha community has been fighting for through silent marches across the state. A publicity blitzkrieg by the government and generous funding by party leaders ensured that the workers and leaders painted towns saffron, a colour that is synonymous with Hindutva and the Sena’s official party flag. The BJP’s official party flags, banners and hoardings dominated roads, highways and flyovers.