MUMBAI: For once the ever-articulate Raj Thackeray appears to be fumbling for words. His dilemma over his party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) election strategy is obvious. Suffering from an identity crisis of sorts, Raj is banking heavily on a vision document, which he calls the “blueprint of Maharashtra’s development”, to impress voters. However, the lethargy among party workers is not helping matters.

Going against his nature, Raj has not raised his voice on several important issues in the last couple of years. His laidback attitude in turn has not energised or mobilised workers. Though Raj has addressed party officials at several places, he has not outlined any programme for the polls.

Raj’s announcement that he would also contest the poll had enthused party workers, but only for a short time. The euphoria faded as Raj kept his poll-planning under the wraps.

Now, workers want to know the issues they have to highlight during the campaign. “We have never faced a situation where we don’t know how to go ahead. We are completely direction less,” said an MNS official from Bhandup.

However, MNS leader Shishir Shinde denied any paralysis. He said party leaders had toured the state and communicated with workers. “Our workers are meeting people regularly and are very much active on social issues,” he said.

Raj has made it clear that his “blueprint” will elaborate his vision for the state. The delayed vision document has, however, raised doubts whether he will make it a poll plank. Raj had announced the blueprint in 2006, it is yet to be ready.

“The work is in the final stage. I will go to each and every district and make a presentation on my vision,” Raj said. He is taking help from Tata Consultancy Service to prepare the document. Raj wants to invite former Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata for the blueprint’s release.

According to insiders, the blueprint will focus on women empowerment, industrialisation, agriculture, transportation and irrigation. Raj believes that the government should boost only six major sectors—industries, power, transport, revenue, tourism and law and order. He thinks that if these sectors are strong enough, any state can be put on a fast track to development.