As Maharashtra gears up for its assembly elections on November 20, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has initiated a large-scale campaign aimed at maximizing Hindu voter turnout. With an eye on influencing results in favor of the BJP and its allies?the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)?the RSS has mobilized volunteers across the state, particularly in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, to encourage participation among Hindu voters.
The RSS campaign includes banners strategically placed in high-visibility areas and handbills distributed by volunteers in neighborhoods like Andheri, Bhandup, Chembur, and Ghatkopar. While the karyakartas refrain from slogan-shouting, the pamphlets they distribute emphasize the importance of voting and the need for a minimum 20% increase in Hindu voter turnout. According to an RSS source, lower Hindu turnout during the last Lok Sabha elections is partly attributed to the BJP?s decline from 23 seats to 9, which has prompted the Sangh Parivar to intensify efforts for a strong showing in this election.
However, the RSS campaign has introduced complexities in certain constituencies. In Anushakti Nagar, for instance, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate Sana Shaikh?daughter of former minister Nawab Malik, who has faced accusations from the BJP of connections with international terrorist Dawood Ibrahim?faces scrutiny. Although Malik has denied these allegations, the narrative has lingered, creating a dilemma for some BJP supporters. "I cannot imagine myself voting for Sana Malik," remarked S. Jayaram, a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Modi. "Many voters like me are facing a dilemma, and we don?t want to press the NOTA button either."
In Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, Nawab Malik himself is vying for the seat as the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate in a predominantly Muslim constituency. The Sangh Parivar has chosen to avoid Malik, while Malik, in turn, has stated publicly that he does not need support from the saffron group. Malik?s main opponent is incumbent MLA Abu Azmi from the Samajwadi Party, one of Maharashtra?s wealthiest candidates, with whom he faces a tight race fueled by anti-incumbency sentiments.
The RSS campaign has drawn mixed reactions, with its focus on Hindu voters being seen as a strategic move to consolidate support for BJP allies in Maharashtra. However, the specific challenges in constituencies like Anushakti Nagar and Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar illustrate the complex and diverse voter dynamics that each candidate must navigate.
