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HomePoliticsAmit Shah's new mantra — reduce dependence on allies like Shiv Sena

Amit Shah’s new mantra — reduce dependence on allies like Shiv Sena

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The BJP chief is working on strengthening the organisation in states where the party has formed government with support from NDA partners

Known for his astute political manoeuvres, BJP chief Amit Shah’s next move may be a cause of concern for the rest of the NDA partners in the long run. Party sources said Shah was working on a strategy to reduce BJP’s dependence on its allies in states like Maharashtra.

It is evident that in Maharashtra, BJP is in constant tussle with its alliance partner, Shiv Sena. The issue has been highlighted in the ‘Vistrit Pravas Patra’, a party bulletin that covers Shah’s three-day tour of each state.

“For the past many years, BJP is in alliance with Shiv Sena and because of this, it has been unable to strengthen organisation in many areas. Shah has asked Maharashtra unit to identify such areas and begin booth-level contact programmes,” reads a document.

Sources added Shah is working on strengthening the organisation in states where BJP has formed government with the support from NDA partners. The aim is to have more say in the state affairs than its allies.

Shah wants the BJP to contest on all seats in next assembly elections in Maharashtra, scheduled for 2019.

“There is a reason why he (Shah) is taking stock of the party’s strength and weaknesses in every state. Many a times, working with allies becomes a headache for the BJP and there are times when the party can’t take any decision because of obstacles created by its allies. The compulsion of having strong allies is a problem that has been identified by the national president,” said a senior party leader.

He added that Shah was trying to ensure that BJP stands on its own feet in states like Maharashtra. “We face embarrassment due to difference of opinions with allies on important policy matters. Work has already started to change this trend. We are also working to establish BJP as a political alternative across India, but it will take some time to yield results,” the BJP leader maintained.

As for the states where the BJP has been in power for many years, a direction has issued to increase the party’s vote share and seats in the next assembly elections. During his visit to the BJP-ruled states, Shah is believed to have advised senior state executive members and office-bearers to ensure a proper coordination between the government and the party.

Ironically, in states like Kerala, where BJP has never formed government, the party is relying on allies to increase its footprints.

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