MUMBAI, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): Maharashtra’s political heavyweights, including chief minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy AjitPawar, Praful Patel, Dada Bhuse, and UdaySamant, gathered at Varsha for a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday to fine-tune the strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

According to insiders, the closed-door meeting, which
continued till midnight, saw leaders of the Shiv Sena and
the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) discuss the
constituencies where the parties are set to face each other in the polls.Maharashtra, a state known for its complex political equations, could witness direct confrontations between the two powerful regional parties in several key districts.

The leaders reportedly analysed the voter demographics and existing support bases in these regions, looking at how they can maximise their outreach. With both Shiv Sena and NCP holding strong influence in various parts of the state, the meeting aimed to identify competitive seats where a focused approach could tip the scales in favour of either party.Additionally, the electoral alliances being formed in the state were another crucial point of discussion. The possibility of realigning political ties in response to shifting voter sentiments and recent developments could significantly impact the election outcomes. Sources suggest the leaders examined potential strategies for not only
combating each other but also countering the growing
presence of other national parties in Maharashtra.

An equally important issue in the meeting was the review of the ‘MaziLadkiBahin’ scheme. The social-welfare initiative, which aims to uplift women and girls across the state, has been a cornerstone of the Shinde government’s
developmental programmes.During the meeting, a
detailed report on the scheme’s current outreach and
publicity was presented. The leaders discussed ways to
further promote the initiative and ensure its message
resonates with voters, particularly in rural and semi-urban
areas where women’s empowerment remains a critical
issue.With the state’s political climate intensifying, the
meeting highlights the importance of both electoral
strategy and social welfare programmes. The Shiv Sena
and NCP are clearly gearing up for a heated battle, with
each party looking to not only secure votes but also gain
public trust through key initiatives like ‘MaziLadkiBahin’.