Lotus blooms: 5 reasons why Maharashtra civic poll results bring cheer to BJP

NEW DELHI: As BJP fights for Lucknow, Mumbai brought good tidings for the party’s leadership in Delhi.

Midway through the tight triangular contest in Uttar Pradesh, BJP won eight of the 10 urban municipal bodies in Maharashtra.

In the prestigious Mumbai corporation, BJP finished close to Shiv Sena and, with the help of rebel BJP candidates who fought as Independents and won, may even end up as the single largest party. And this comes close on the heels of BJP’s good performance in rural local body elections in Odisha.

While, expectedly, BJP officially interpreted Maharashtra’s municipal poll verdict as an endorsement of the state and central government’s policies, the party is looking at some significant political gains.

First, Maharashtra and Odisha results offer some, if not great evidence, of the party’s ability to attract support in varied states, despite state and/or central incumbency.

Second, Congress’ poor showing in Maharashtra and Odisha further weakens BJP’s national rival and its ability to broker an effective Opposition against BJP.

Third, BJP’s restive ally-cumrival in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, loses some of its bargaining power. Sena had fought urban municipal polls on an anti-demonetisation platform, and BJP’s good show, including in Mumbai, will make Sena a less difficult negotiating partner.

Fourth, this will apply in the crucial presidential elections where Sena’s 60 MLAs and 15 MPs are a potential spoiler for BJP. A less assured Sena may be more amenable to BJP’s plan for the next Rashtrapati.

Fifth, Maharashtra’s results strengthen CM Devendra Fadnavis and can make governing easier for the young CM, who has been at the rough end of many Sena critiques.