BJP president Amit Shah pledges to fight for poor, OBCs under Pankaja Munde's leadership

BEED (MAHARASHTRA): Recalling late BJP leader Gopinath Munde's contribution to welfare of the poor and backward classes, BJP president Amit Shah today expressed confidence that the late Union Minister's daughter Pankaja Munde would carry forward his work and legacy.

"We should resolve that we will continue the task of securing justice to all backward castes under Pankaja's leadership," Shah said while addressing an election rally at Bhagwangad in Ahmednagar's Pathardi taluka.

This was Shah's first public rally after BJP snapped its 25-year-old ties with poll partner Shiv Sena.

The elections to the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly are scheduled on October 15.

"BJP made a person from backward class the Prime Minister. A prominent policy of this government is to work for the welfare of backward classes. In the coming days, we will take this policy forward in Maharashtra as well," the BJP president said.

"I went to Chondi and now am in Bhagwangad, where Munde addressed his last public meetings to pay tribute to him," he said.

"The poor and backward classes were the focus of Munde's journey of struggle from Beed to Delhi," Shah said.

"I know what you people have in your mind," Shah said, apparently referring to the demands from the crowds who shouted that Pankaja must be given the top job after the assembly polls.

"Don't think that the leadership is not aware of your views," Shah told the crowd.