BMC election: BJP lauds PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for impressive performance

Even though BJP has failed to win Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, it remains the overall winner, largely sweeping the Maharashtra civic polls. Of the 10 municipal corporations that went to polls, BJP was the frontrunner in eight. Its friend-turned-foe Shiv Sena led in its strongholds of BMC and Thane.
However, despite losing BMC, BJP's performance has brought smiles on the party leaders. It has come a close second to Shiv Sena, pushing the others such as Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP and Raj Thackeray's MNS far behind. Moreover, it upped its 2012 tally of 31 by about three times.

BJP leader co-in charge of Maharashtra, Rakesh Singh, told India Today that the party has reasons to rejoice over its performance throughout Maharashtra, including BMC. "We don't consider it BJP's failure in BMC. On the contrary, it is our victory. We have won 82 seats as against 31 last time. It is an impressive performance," he said.
The BJP thinks three below factors worked wonders for them.
1. NARENDRA MODI GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES
The BJP is giving credit for spectacular performance in Maharashtra civic polls to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image and his government's policies. Rakesh Singh said, "The PM's



schemes for the poor, women, farmers, youth and all other sections of the society has been lapped up by all. His fight against corruption has also been lauded by all. This has been the most important factor behind BJP's win."
2. MAHARASHTRA CM DEVENDRA FADNAVIS'S PERFORMANCE
Fadnavis also gets the credit for the impressive performance. He gets applause for "effectively implementing" the Centre's schemes. "Fadnavis has honestly and sincerely implemented the Narendra Modi government's schemes for all sections of the society. He himself enjoys a clean image. His governance is praiseworthy," Singh said.
3. BJP'S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
 The party gets acknowledgement for erecting its structure in a short span of time. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray announced snapping of ties with BJP for the civic elections on Republic Day. With the elections not even a month away, time was a constraint for BJP. However, the party pulled up its socks and utilised its structure and cadre to reach this stage. Sources said Shiv Sena had not even allowed BJP to carry out a proper membership drive. As a result, BJP was not very sure of its strength. However, it trusted whatever structure it had and pulled it off in the civic elections.