With the crucial January 15 urban local body elections in Vidarbha approaching, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis embarked on an intense campaign blitz across the region on Sunday. He addressed consecutive rallies in Chandrapur, Amravati, and Akola, focusing his pitch on a robust development agenda, stringent warnings against civic corruption, and key welfare assurances aimed at securing voter support.
Akola Rally: Firm Assurance on Ladki Bahin Yojana
In Akola, Fadnavis headlined a joint campaign rally of the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction at the Cricket Club Ground. A significant part of his address was directed at the beneficiaries of the state's Ladki Bahin Yojana. Directly countering opposition claims that the popular scheme might be discontinued post-elections, the Chief Minister issued a firm guarantee. "As long as your 'Devabhau' is the chief minister, no one can stop or shut down the Ladki Bahin scheme," he declared.
Fadnavis also announced a major financial relief for smaller municipal corporations. He stated that the state government would bear the 30% contribution required from these smaller civic bodies in various development schemes. This move, he explained, was to aid municipalities struggling with weak financial conditions that hinder project implementation.
Chandrapur Roadshow: A Mandate Against Corruption
Earlier in Chandrapur, the CM campaigned for the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti alliance during its Vijay Sankalp Yatra roadshow. He highlighted that the Centre had allocated a massive Rs 50,000 crore for urban development across Maharashtra, assuring that Chandrapur had received its fair share.
"These resources have been brought to change the face of Chandrapur," Fadnavis said. However, he coupled this with a stark warning: "But if the municipal corporation falls into the hands of corrupt and middlemen, development will come to a halt." He argued that sustained progress would only be possible by keeping 'corrupt and vested interests' out of the civic body.
Listing ongoing and planned works, he mentioned drinking water schemes, underground sewerage, road development, streetlights, beautification projects, ownership rights pattas, and houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Appealing for votes, he said, "Give us your support on January 15, and from January 16 onwards, the responsibility of serving Chandrapur will be ours," promising a five-year development focus if the alliance wins.
Amravati Pitch: Seeking Votes on Delivered Works
In Amravati, Fadnavis led a roadshow, pitching the party's track record from its previous term when the municipal corporation was with the BJP. He cited the utilization of funds under the AMRUT scheme for city development and mentioned the approval of a Rs 212 crore road development plan.
He shared updates on several key projects, including the upcoming flying training institute, whose construction is in the final stage, the Badnera cultural bhavan, improved bus services, and beautification initiatives. Fadnavis also revealed that the state government had approved the Rs 200 crore Ambadevi project for the city.
Concluding his campaign narrative, the Chief Minister emphasized, "BJP is seeking votes not on promises but on works done and a stated vision." His three-city tour underscores the high-stakes nature of the upcoming urban polls, with the ruling alliance pushing a combined message of assured welfare, financial support for local bodies, and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
