Maharashtra BJP conclave next month to address problems faced by govt

The party, which has appointed senior leader Raosaheb Danve as BJP president, is also going to constitute its new team to enthuse fresh blood in the organisation considering the challenges ahead with the party ruling the state.

BJP national president Amit Shah will inaugurate the conclave. Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari will address the party on the concluding day. High on their agenda is start a door-to-door campaign to raise awareness about the government policies.

The controversial land acquisition Act tops the list of problems to be discussed at the conclave that will see a gathering of all top state and central leaders, including Union ministers representing Maharashtra.

Though the BJP claims the Act aims to push reforms in the farm sector, it admits the perception in mind of the people will have to effectively tackled by answering all the questions raised on farmers’ welfare.
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We understand land Act has not gone well with the people. It is being perceived that we are anti-farmers. Now, we have to make the course correction by launching an aggressive campaign across the state,” said a leader.

Opposition to the Act from alliance partner Shiv Sena has caused major embarrassment to both the state government and the Centre.

The presence of Amit Shah is to give out a strong message that dissidence within the government and the organisation would not be tolerated at any level, and that the central leadership is closely monitoring every thing and would expect greater coordination between the party and the government,” said a central BJP functionary.

A senior BJP leader said, “At the moment, what we are striving for is to bring a greater coordination within the organisation and the government. Both will have to work in tandem and play a complementary role.”

Insiders said Danve had already begun the exercise of holding discussions with district local leaders and was closely working with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

A senior cabinet minister said, “Now that we are a ruling party, the aspirations of our workers are very high. Each individual want a specified role either in the government or the party.”

The second policy matter to be discussed relates to the state’s decision to ban cattle slaughter. The party feels instead of looking at the usefulness of the cattle in the farm sector people were seeing this as an effort on part of the government to push its “saffron agenda”.