In Indore, BJP makes last-ditch effort to woo Marathi voters for LS polls

Community upset with party denying ticket to 8-time MP Sumitra Mahajan

Reaching out to the mini-Maharashtra in Indore has emerged as the biggest challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the eight-time winner and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was denied a ticket for the ongoing general elections. Heavyweights such as Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have been fielded for rallies and meetings to assuage the 300,000-strong Marathi voters in the largest and the most populous city of Madhya Pradesh. 

Indore, the Maratha princely state during British rule, was a BJP stronghold since 1989, still has a strong Marathi culture and influence. A BJP stronghold since 1989, Indore is no longer a “safe seat” for the party, with Shankar Lalwani being seen as a “weak candidate” by the people, who has been fielded against Congress’ Pankaj Sanghvi. 

“We are very unhappy with the BJP for not giving ticket to our Tai. It will cost the BJP dearly and the Congress stands a chance now. In fact, even some of the BJP workers are highly disappointed. Sumitra Mahajan was the representative of the entire Marathi community in the Lok Sabha,” said Anil Modak of Maharathra Sahitya Sabha in Indore. 

In fact, Indore-based Marathi organisations even wrote to BJP President Amit Shah last month demanding a ticket for Sumitra Mahajan, ‘Tai’ — as she is fondly called — or that her son Milind Mahajan be considered. Milind is the executive president of Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal, a cultural organisation working for the welfare of Marathi-speaking people living outside Maharashtra.

However, in a major surprise, Lalwani was announced as the BJP candidate.

Ironically, in a rally in the city on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at length about Sumitra Mahajan’s contribution to the BJP and to the city, but not a word on Lalwani. “Tai and I have worked in the BJP together. The kind of dedication she has towards work, I assure the people of Indore that in terms of development of the city, none of Tai's wishes will be left unfulfilled,” the prime minister said. 

Sensing the displeasure of a major voting community, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis addressed the Bruhan Maharashtra Samaj Mandal at Indore last week. “All the last-minute appeasement will not help. The BJP brass should have thought about this while deciding the candidate,” said an unhappy Marathi BJP worker who did not wish to be named. He added that Mahajan’s dedication towards the party was such that despite being denied ticket, she has been campaigning for the party “selflessly”. 

Talking about the non-Marathis, the BJP is being seen as the “only sane option” for some voters. “Lalwani is not a good candidate, but we are looking at the larger picture. So the vote will be for Modi,” said a cab driver in the city. The sentiment was also shared by others, be it a hotel receptionist, or fruit sellers.

However, the traders expressed disappointment over the lack of job opportunities and rising unemployment and poor business due to demonetisaiton and GST. “We have not forgotten demonetisation. I had employed four workers at my shop before demonetisation. But now I can afford only one. GST only rubbed salt into our wounds,” said Sayyed, a tile shop owner. 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari met trade and industry of Indore on Monday evening. “…Gadkari has an appeal in Indore due to his developmental projects, besides the Marathi connect,” said a BJP worker.