As the countdown begins for the highly contested Maharashtra Assembly elections, the ruling BJP is amplifying polarizing issues to gain electoral advantage.

In a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, the cow was designated as ‘Rajya Mata’ (State’s Mother), while Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis claimed at a public event on Monday that “love jihad” poses a significant threat, citing “over a lakh cases” throughout the state. He also suggested that the recent Lok Sabha election outcomes in 14 of Maharashtra’s 48 constituencies were influenced by “vote jihad,” alluding to demographic factors in those areas.

The term “love jihad” was popularized in Maharashtra by the Sakal Hindu Samaj last year, leading to numerous accusations of hate speech, though BJP leaders initially distanced themselves from the rhetoric. However, Fadnavis, who oversees the Home portfolio, now seems to endorse these allegations.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the Maharashtra elections soon after the October 8 results from the Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir polls.

The BJP, which saw its representation in Maharashtra plummet from 23 seats to nine in the recent Lok Sabha elections, is racing against time to regain lost ground. While seat-sharing negotiations with the coalition comprising Shiv Sena and NCP are progressing slowly, the party recognizes the need to secure at least 100 of the 288 Assembly seats to maintain its status as the dominant partner and remain in contention for power.

This task is challenging, considering the BJP’s previous best of 122 seats in 2014, which dropped to 105 in 2019, where it fell short of a majority. In 2014, the party contested 260 seats individually, whereas in 2019, it ran in alliance with the Shiv Sena for 164 seats. Analysts predict it may secure no more than 160 seats in the current three-way Mahayuti coalition.

BJP leaders believe that complacency regarding the Hindu vote after the inauguration of the Ram Temple contributed to its poor performance in Maharashtra during the Lok Sabha elections. To avoid repeating this outcome, they are appealing to their core base by emphasizing issues like “love jihad,” “vote jihad,” and the cow.

Moreover, BJP leaders are aware that they face direct competition from the Shiv Sena for the Hindu vote in Maharashtra. Highlighting these issues also puts pressure on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, who must reassure his constituents that his partnership with the Congress does not compromise the Hindutva principles of his party.

Officially, BJP leaders assert that the cow’s elevated status is crucial for preserving and protecting indigenous breeds. Cabinet Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar stated, “We should approach cow protection scientifically. The cow is essential for agriculture and farmers, with multi-purpose uses from its milk to its dung and urine.”

Since 2014, when the BJP formed a government with the Shiv Sena, a crackdown on cow slaughter has been in effect. Over the past year, the Mahayuti government has largely ignored calls for action against “love jihad” and “land jihad” rallies organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj, despite demands from various groups.

Recent comments by controversial preacher Ramgiri Maharaj during an annual religious event in Nashik heightened tensions across the state. Although an FIR was filed against him following protests by Muslim organizations, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena was seen praising Ramgiri the day after the event.

The government’s inaction on these matters was further highlighted by remarks from BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, who defended Ramgiri at two rallies in Ahmednagar and allegedly threatened opponents. Only after public outcry over Rane’s comments was an FIR filed, but no action has been taken against him.

A senior BJP official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that the current status quo might persist: “Rane represents millions who want hard Hindutva. The BJP is providing him political support.”

Additionally, an anti-encroachment drive at Vishalgad Fort near Kolhapur drew scrutiny as it primarily targeted Muslim establishments, prompting further questions about the BJP’s intentions.

Fadnavis insisted it was incorrect to view every issue through a Hindu versus Muslim lens, asserting, “All illegal encroachments on places of worship, historical forts, and public spaces will be removed according to the law.”

Now, with the Navratri festival starting on October 3, the VHP has instructed garba organizers to ensure non-Hindus do not participate in the festivities and to verify the credentials of individuals wishing to join. Those permitted must display vermilion on their foreheads and bow to the deities, according to VHP directives.

The Shiv Sena (UBT), a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, criticized the BJP’s Hindutva push, with MP Sanjay Raut stating, “By granting the Rajya Mata title to the cow, the BJP has insulted ideologue V.D. Savarkar,” suggesting that Savarkar held a more scientific and pragmatic view of cows.

Congress leader Nana Patole also criticized Fadnavis, asserting, “When the Home Minister makes controversial statements like love jihad and vote jihad, it violates his Constitutional oath.”