MVA needs introspection after rural poll setback: Bawankule

Nagpur: Former BJP state president and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday said that people of Maharashtra have decisively rejected "negative politics" and endorsed development-driven model of governance. He claimed Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is steadily losing ground, while BJP-led Mahayuti is strengthening its presence across both urban and rural areas of the state.Speaking at the ceremony marking Neeta Thakre's assumption of office as Nagpur's 55th mayor, Bawankule said recent electoral trends show strong public support - especially in rural Maharashtra - for the state and central govts led by BJP. He asserted that BJP is leading in zilla parishad elections and is set to have presidents in at least eight districts out of the 12 that went to polls, mirroring its performance in municipal corporations and councils.
"The double-engine govt was taken to the people, and the results show villages have accepted this model. After coming to power in zilla parishads, the focus will be on building a new, developed rural Maharashtra," Bawankule said, underlining the alliance's governance agenda.Commenting on the political scenario in Pune district, Bawankule said the mandate was a clear endorsement of late deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar and the Mahayuti. "The votes in Pune belong to late Ajit Pawar, and in a way, they are votes for Mahayuti. In most places, Mahayuti will form the ruling bodies, with zilla parishad presidents from the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, or Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, depending on local equations," he said.Taking aim at the Opposition, Bawankule said the MVA has suffered a major political setback. He criticised NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar for failing to provide effective leadership to the alliance and said the election results should serve as a wake-up call. "These are poor results for the MVA, and they need serious introspection," he added.The minister was particularly critical of the Congress, accusing it of pushing itself into a political crisis through persistent negativity and absence of a clear vision. "Maharashtra no longer votes on allegations. People vote for development. Congress lacks a roadmap for the state, which is why public support is slipping," he said, suggesting the party could face difficulties maintaining its position within the alliance.Commenting on the controversy in Umarkhed taluka of Yavatmal district, where a school allegedly played a song supporting Pakistan, Bawankule termed the incident an act akin to treason. He said chief minister has directed strict action. "If any institution is involved in such acts, stringent legal provisions should be invoked and arrests made," he said.On political scenario in Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, Bawankule said the BJP is open to forming alliances, but is also prepared to sit in the Opposition. "Local political equations differ from place to place. If we are not in power, we are ready to play the role of a strong Opposition," he said.