'UDDHAV EXPLOITED MARATHI SENTIMENTS'

As Mumbai and its neighbouring areas are all set for polls, Devendra Fadnavis shares his views on several key issues ranging from the Shiv Sena split to the Maratha quota agitation, while reiterating that Uddhav Thackeray’s ego forced BJP to part ways

With the campaigning for the fifth phase (covering Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region) of the Lok Sabha elections reaching its crescendo, all eyes are on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP senior leader Devendra Fadnavis, 53, who is leading the ruling Mahayuti coalition in its high-stakes battle its against Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Talking to a select group of journalists at his Nepean Sea Road residence 'Meghdoot', Fadnavis on Wednesday said that there is only one (prime ministerial) candidate viz Narendra Modi and that the people are supporting him in a big way so that his vision of 'Viksit Bharat' is fulfilled. Excerpts from an interview:

Why is PM Modi repeatedly campaigning in Maharashtra? Is Mahayuti not confident of performing well in the polls?

That is not the case. We are very confident of improving our 2019 performance. The response to Modi's rallies is very good all over the state. As there is more time for the campaign, we are making maximum efforts to reach out to as many voters as possible. Besides, we are also trying to ensure the 100% defeat of certain opposition candidates.

It appears that the construction of the grand temple for Lord Ram at Ayodhya is not likely to yield political dividends. What is your take?

In the first place, the Ram Janmabhoomi matter was never a political issue for my party. We took up the cause only as a part of the cultural renaissance of the nation. We have not raked it up in the election. The key message after the temple construction is that people are realising that Modi is a man of his word. He promised to build the temple and he has delivered on his promise. We have also changed the narrative which prevailed (under the Congress); as per which even going to temple was looked upon as an anti-secular act. There was appeasement (of the minorities). All that has changed now.