Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a leaf out of PM Narendra Modi’s book when it comes to campaigning in his constituency, Nagpur (South West), ahead of the 21 October assembly elections.
From T-shirts bearing the slogan ‘Main bhi Devendra’ (I am also Devendra) to using especially composed songs such as ‘Dilli mein Narendra, Maharashtra Devendra’, there are many elements of the campaign that seem like adaptations of the template Modi and the BJP used in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.
There are almost no posters, hoardings or banners visible in the constituency, but Fadnavis has written personalised letters to each household, informing them of all the work undertaken by him and his government so far.
“All the 22 BJP corporators are campaigning in their areas and are distributing the letter written by the CM to each household, and are also informing them of all the work done so far,” said a BJP worker who did not want to be named.
Will CM’s absence matter?
Fadnavis has won four elections in a row since 1999 — the first two from Nagpur (West), and then Nagpur (South West) when it was created after the 2009 delimitation exercise. His victory margins have also gone up each time.
A BJP worker said the people consider Fadnavis as one of their own. “Unlike other leaders, in whose names we affix ‘ji’, people call him only ‘hamaara’ Devendra,” the worker said.
This time around, though, Fadnavis’ increased responsibilities have kept him away from the constituency, save for three rallies. Instead, a team of over 5,000 workers, headed by his campaign in-charge Sandeep Joshi, is going door-to-door with the message of ‘Main bhi Devendra’.
Team members inform voters about all the work done in the constituency, and tell them how “their Devendra” has a responsibility to fulfil in other parts of the state too.
“He could address only two rallies here as he has addressed almost 80-90 rallies in the rest of the state. People also used to ask us where is the CM, which is why we launched his campaign to tell them we are all Devendra and all their problems and concerns will be handled by us,” Joshi said.
Fadnavis addressed his third rally Saturday, the last day of campaigning.
A BJP worker added: “In 2014, he was the president of the state unit, and used to spend the morning in his own constituency and used to head out to other areas later. He was not the CM then, so it was possible. Now, imagine if he wins with a record margin and we don’t perform well in other constituencies? This is what our campaign tells people, and they understand.”
Voters ThePrint spoke to agreed with this point.
“His team takes care of all the work. Whenever we have any concerns, we tell them and they are quite prompt,” said Jyoti Bharmade, a homemaker. “Last time, he came to the constituency more. But it doesn’t really matter as our work is done.”
Vishal Somvanshi, who runs a shop in Imamwada Square, added: “Our problems are resolved by his people. He has set up a system, so it is quite easy for us to reach out.”
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Development track record
Fadnavis’ journey from Nagpur mayor to chief minister has been interesting. He first concentrated on strengthening the BJP’s grip on the city which, despite being the headquarters of the RSS, was traditionally the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party’s turf.
Fadnavis’ focus on the urban population played an important role in his rise, and now, his government’s grant of reservation to the Maratha community is expected to be another feather in his cap.
The campaign team is confident about Fadnavis’ work in the constituency and the state, and has been distributing pamphlets which informs voters about the development work he has done, such as fast-tracking the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport (MIHAN) project, for which he got companies from six different sectors including aviation, education and logistics.
Other work done by Fadnavis in the constituency includes improvements to drainage facilities, road works, libraries, improving water supply, organising health camps and constructing bridges, among others.
The BJP’s Maharashtra unit has also been pitching him as the strong leader the state needs. The song ‘Dilli mein Narendra, Maharashtra Devendra’, played prominently at his 16 October rally in the constituency, summed up that he is being presented as possessing the same qualities as PM Modi, albeit at the state level.
Opposition leaders who have stood witness to Fadnavis’ political journey see a marked change in him.
“He is definitely more confident, his speeches have become sharper, and he’s able to take on big opposition leaders easily now. He has learnt the art of campaigning and electioneering,” said a Congress leader.
But in the same breath, the leader added: “He knows how to market development, and he has done that in Maharashtra without doing much.”
Mood in the Congress camp
Congress candidate Ashish Deshmukh, a former BJP member who switched over last year, is confident of ushering in a change, despite the odds.
“All they talk about is Article 370, but where are the jobs? People are also asking this and we will give them a befitting reply,” Deshmukh said.
Surendra Rajput, a national media panellist of the Congress, said of Fadnavis: “He is imitating his guru Narendra Modi, who believes in only marketing but not delivering on ground. He needs to answer why Maharashtra is in such a pitiable condition.”
Other Congress leaders, though, did say anonymously that Fadnavis was difficult to dislodge in his constituency.
“We are campaigning extensively, contrary to what is being projected in the media. We are confident of doing well in the state, especially the rural part,” said a senior Congress leader.
“As far as Fadnavis, is concerned he is a strong leader and has a clean image, which is difficult to dent, just like PM Modi. Even his campaign has been very low-key — no loudspeakers or major roadshows — so people do tend to see him as a sincere leader.”
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