Eknath Shinde Criticizes Oppositions March on Supreme Court as Constitutional Disrespect

Mumbai, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp critique against the opposition’s ‘India’ coalition on Wednesday. He accused them of attempting to exert pressure on the judiciary by marching to the Supreme Court, an act he deemed a direct insult to constitutional institutions.

Speaking to the media after a weekly cabinet meeting, Shinde stated, “Holding the Constitution in one hand while trying to pressure constitutional bodies with the other is a blatant attempt to create chaos in the country, which will not be tolerated.” He emphasized that protests aimed at influencing the Supreme Court, the highest constitutional authority, are a serious matter.

Shinde reiterated that the Constitution grants independence to institutions like the Supreme Court and the Election Commission. Any attempt to undermine them is tantamount to disrespecting the constitutional framework. He suggested that foreign forces might be behind these protests, warning the public to remain vigilant against entities trying to sow instability. He added that spreading falsehoods to erode trust in constitutional institutions is detrimental to national interests.

In a positive note, Shinde announced that the Maharashtra Cabinet passed a congratulatory resolution honoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 25 years of public service as both Chief Minister and Prime Minister. This resolution will be formally sent to him. He praised Modi for enhancing India’s global stature, noting that 36 countries have awarded him their highest civilian honors.

Reflecting on India’s economic progress, Shinde contrasted the nation’s current standing as one of the top five economies with its previous classification as one of the “Fragile Five” before 2014. He highlighted that over 250 million people have emerged from multidimensional poverty, with nearly 800 million citizens receiving food assistance.

Targeting the Congress party, Shinde remarked that the late Balasaheb Thackeray’s dreams of abrogating Article 370 and constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya remained unfulfilled during Congress rule, but have been realized under Modi’s leadership. He accused Congress of responding to terrorist attacks with mere diplomatic notes, whereas Modi’s government has taken decisive action against terrorist launchpads in Pakistan.

Addressing the agricultural crisis, Shinde revealed that the government has expanded the list of drought-affected talukas from 265 to 305. The state is providing significant relief measures, including a moratorium on loan recovery, debt restructuring, fee waivers for students, and assistance with fodder and water supplies. He announced that direct financial aid of ₹5,000 will be deposited into the accounts of drought-affected farmers before Diwali.

He assured, “Farmers have the first claim on the state treasury, and we will not leave them alone in tough times.” A central team has already visited the affected areas, and PM Modi has had a 30-minute discussion with Shinde, promising full support from the central government alongside Home Minister Amit Shah.

Questioning the opposition’s priorities, Shinde asked, “What is more important during a drought—farmers or protests against the Supreme Court?” He concluded by stating that Modi remains focused on his work, undeterred by critics, asserting that the country’s path is centered on development, national security, and farmers’ welfare.