https://thewire.in/politics/maharashtra-modi-shah-anti-incumbency-politics
Whatever the nature of the perception games being played by various parties, some truths cannot be wished away in the 2024 elections. There is massive anti-incumbency in many states, purely on account of livelihood issues, unemployment and inflation. In some states, the anti-incumbency is much more widespread than in others. For instance in Maharashtra, the second largest state after UP , with 48 seats, Modi and BJP face the most intense anti-incumbency. Maharashtra could well prove to be the biggest swing state favouring the opposition alliance.
As one travelled through Sholapur, Aurangabad and Nashik districts the sheer anger on the streets was palpable. The largest onion mandi in Asia, Lasalgaon in Nashik district, has a large ecosystem of farmers, traders and other allied economic agents. They are greatly upset that the Centre banned onion exports six months ago and onion prices crashed over 75%, affecting their lives and livelihood.
The BJP seems caught in a perfect storm in Maharashtra even as a general resentment is building up among Maharashtrians over the way the Centre has splintered the politics of the state. There is widespread sympathy for Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. There is also an underlying resentment over the way economic projects and employment have shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat.
by M.K. Venu
27/05/2024