Mumbai, Jan 12 (NationPress) Murlidhar Mohol, the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, on Monday dismissed any notion of an ‘imminent threat’ to the BJP’s electoral prospects in the Maharashtra municipal elections, whether posed by the reunion of the Thackeray brothers or the Pawar family.

Mohol, the Lok Sabha MP representing Pune, shared insights with IANS on various issues, placing particular emphasis on the civic electoral battle, especially in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. He articulated how both the Shiv Sena and NCP are currently in a vulnerable position while the BJP continues to hold a significant advantage over its 'former allies'.

Below is the complete interview:

IANS: What makes the BJP so confident about its chances in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections?

Murlidhar Mohol: The residents of Pune make their voting decisions with great care, whether it's for local bodies, Assembly, or Lok Sabha elections. Our aim is to elevate Pune to the status of the best city in the world. The citizens understand that the growth and advancement of the city hinge on the BJP, PM Modi, and Devendra Fadnavis.

IANS: The factions of the NCP have united for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations. Do you believe this will impact the MahaYuti alliance, particularly in Pune?

Murlidhar Mohol: I don't foresee any impact. The people in Pune are aware of who holds the key to their future. The NCP has previously contested independently, and their current unity may not last long; they are simply in a cycle.

These factions of the NCP are merely regional entities, lacking national significance. This time, we anticipate a triple-engine government. The public stands with us, and a BJP leader is set to become the Mayor of Pune.

The agendas of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) in local bodies have been distinct. We witnessed this during elections for municipal corporations and councils. Throughout Maharashtra, we contested separately, yet we remain united at the state level.

IANS: Did the BJP play a role in reuniting the NCP factions?

Murlidhar Mohol: The fact that the NCP factions have come together suggests that Ajit Pawar has concerns about gaining power, which explains their alliance. However, the public today knows who is effective and who deserves their vote. The credit lies with the people of Pune, who have faith in us. The BJP has effectively demoralized their supporters, prompting this reunion.

IANS: Would it be advantageous for the BJP if the NCP factions unite in the future?

Murlidhar Mohol: They are family; if they decide to unite, I don't perceive a problem. It's their decision. Even though one faction is part of the MahaYuti government, we don't oppose family reunification.

IANS: Would the BJP welcome Sharad Pawar joining the MahaYuti?

Murlidhar Mohol: As a modest party worker, I will abide by whatever the leadership decides.

IANS: Do you believe that Uddhav Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have teamed up to preserve the 'Thackeray brand'? Does that brand still hold relevance?

Murlidhar Mohol: I certainly believe it does. Shiv Sena (UBT) has held power in the BMC for several years, yet they have failed to gain the people's trust. The party's existence and support have dwindled. Their alliance with the MNS appears motivated by fear of losing everything, marking a struggle for survival.

IANS: Does Uddhav Thackeray still adhere to the Hindutva ideology of Shiv Sena? He has claimed that the MahaYuti betrayed him previously. What's your perspective?

Murlidhar Mohol: Uddhav Thackeray's Hindutva is no longer evident. He isolated himself when he aligned with the Congress after the 2019 elections with the BJP.

In 2019, we contested as part of the MahaYuti. If we fought as an alliance, the government should have been formed accordingly. Devendra Fadnavis was our Chief Ministerial face, and we had the majority. His obsession with becoming Chief Minister led him to betray Hindus, the BJP, and the 110 million citizens of Maharashtra.

IANS: There has been a contentious debate regarding 'Khan-Pathan-burqa' over who will become the Mayor. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has made multiple statements on this matter. If a hijab-wearing woman becomes the Mayor, what concerns does the BJP have?

Murlidhar Mohol: Our priority is aligned with public sentiment. Ultimately, it all boils down to who earns the public's backing. I concur with the Chief Minister that a Marathi-speaking individual should lead as Mayor, whether in Mumbai, Pune, or elsewhere. However, opinions vary, and people can voice their thoughts freely.

IANS: What is your assessment of the law and order situation in Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee?

Murlidhar Mohol: The TMC has maintained power for a long time, and law and order issues have persisted. The populace is now saying enough is enough. How long will we endure injustice and oppression?

Additionally, the presence of Bangladeshi infiltrators is a concern, with many residing there. However, I assert that violence is not a solution.

This time, the BJP will secure a government in Bengal, as the people are distancing themselves from Mamata Banerjee.