Will This Advertisement Published By Shiv Sena Break BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance?

A newspaper advertisement put up by Shiv Sena has upset the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). The advertisement showcased a survey showing Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from Shiv Sena more popular than Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy CM. the full page advertisement came with the headline ‘Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra’ along with the survey report.

“Such advertisements or surveys have no value,” says BJP

Reacting to the advertisement, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, BJP’s state unit chief said, “Such advertisements or surveys have no value, as the people of the state decide who is more popular. The advertisement does not bear any significance. The people of the state will decide who is more popular in the 2024 elections. One thing is clear, the people of Maharashtra love the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Modiji. Fadnavisji was sworn in as the CM twice and is popular among the people. The advertisement has carried Shinde’s picture because he is the chief minister of the state.”

Deepak Kesarkar, School education minister and Shiv Sena-Shinde faction leader came up to support his party. He said, “The percentage of the popularity of the CM and DCM is collectively 59%. If there is an error in the advertisement, we will rectify it.”

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Why is BJP upset?

The fact of the matter is that BJP has put up Mr. Fadnavis’ name as the face for CM in the State in 2019 polls via one similar advertisement. That advertisement in Marathi said, ‘Deshat Narendra, Rajyat Devendra’ (Narendra for nation, Devendra for the state). The advertisement featured images of PM Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis.

However, the advertisement by the Shiv Sena states that “According to the election surveys, 30.2% of citizens of the state prefer BJP, while 16.2% prefer Shiv Sena led by Shinde. This shows 46.4% of people trust the ruling alliance for the development of the state.”

It further says, “According to the surveys done for the chief minister’s position, 26.1% of the population desire to see Shinde as the CM, while 23.2% give preference to Fadnavis. Thus, 49.3% of the state population wish to see a strong ruling alliance for the state’s leadership,” it added. Hence the leaders in BJP are upset over this advertisement.

NCP pours oil over fire

Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal said, “The advertisements given by the government generally carry the photographs of both the leaders, but surprisingly this time Fadnavis’s photograph is missing from the advertisement. I am also surprised about the figures quoted in the advertisement as the authenticity of these figures is in question. Also, I was sure the two ruling parties will resort to damage control exercises, but such things widen the rift between the parties leading to rising discontent among the followers. I am sure Fadnavis’ followers must be upset over it.”