Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar recently criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena over an advertisement that featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He stated that the poster did not feature Shiv Sena’s stalwarts like Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe.
Pawar commented on the advertisement, saying that he had never seen an advertisement like this in his political career. He further added that the photos of PM Narendra Modi and CM Shinde were present in the advertisement, while Balasaheb Thackeray’s and Anand Dighe’s photos were missing.
The advertisement, titled ‘Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra,’ was published in multiple Mumbai newspapers on Tuesday, showcasing a survey depicting Shinde as the favoured choice for the CM’s position over the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis. Despite facing criticism, Shinde staunchly defended the advertisement, emphasizing the strength of the double-engine sarkar in the state.
Various political figures reacted differently to the advertisement. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut referred to it as an advertisement by Modi-Shah’s Shiv Sena. The Congress labeled the survey as false, while the NCP’s Ajit Pawar expressed disappointment over the absence of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s photograph.
While some Maharashtra cabinet ministers appeared apologetic, Shinde stood firm, asserting that his government remained stable and achieved new heights of popularity and work. He highlighted the collaboration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to their government as a double-engine entity that received excellent support from the Centre.
In conclusion, the political advertisement featuring Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Shinde has created mixed reactions among political parties. While some politicians have openly criticized the advertisement, others have stood up to defend it. It remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the political climate in Maharashtra.
