Mumbai, June 20: Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena leader, targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally on the occasion of Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day. He stated that wherever Gandhi goes, defeat follows him. Shinde described Gandhi as the “captain of those who lose repeatedly,” while criticizing the India alliance.
During his address, Shinde compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan, “I will neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so,” with the opposition’s approach, asserting that they “will neither win nor let anyone else win.” He also congratulated Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India.
Shinde emphasized that Modi’s tenure has remained free from corruption. He highlighted significant decisions like the construction of the Ram Temple and the abrogation of Article 370 as achievements that fulfilled the dreams of Balasaheb Thackeray.
He mentioned that Shiv Sena was given the opportunity to present a proposal in honor of the Prime Minister during the NDA meeting. Shinde also congratulated Union Home Minister Amit Shah for effectively controlling left-wing extremism in Maharashtra and implementing historic decisions like the abrogation of Article 370.
Reflecting on Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, Shinde stated that if Thackeray were alive today, he would also congratulate Modi and Shah. He noted that this year marks Thackeray’s birth centenary, and Shiv Sena has now become the second-largest party in Maharashtra.
Shinde credited the party’s grassroots workers for expanding its reach to villages. He asserted, “The true heirs of Balasaheb Thackeray are my Shiv Sainiks. Inheritance is determined by ideology, not blood relations. Shiv Sena is not just a piece of land; it represents the ideology of millions.”
He criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) and suggested that those advising mergers with Congress should first reflect on their diminishing power. Shinde recalled that when he chose a different path in 2022, the opposition claimed he would not win a single legislator and would have to return to farming.
Thanks to the trust and hard work of Shiv Sainiks, the party has increased its strength from 40 to over 60 legislators. He dismissed attempts to create rifts between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asserting that the Mahayuti remains united and strong.
Shinde expressed confidence that the opposition would not even open its account in the upcoming Legislative Council elections. He reiterated that the government’s sole agenda is development and the welfare of all sections of society.
Referring to the Ladki Bahin scheme, Shinde stated that some individuals attempted to halt it, but Maharashtra’s women responded decisively. He promised, “I assure you that no force in the world can stop the Ladki Bahin scheme.”
He accused certain leaders of engaging in arrogant politics and avoiding self-reflection. Shinde noted that during district council and municipal elections, some leaders abandoned their workers, leading the public to reveal their true strength.
On the potential drought situation in Maharashtra, Shinde assured that the government is fully prepared. He reassured farmers that the government will stand firmly by them in any crisis. “If anyone has the first right to Maharashtra’s treasury, it is our farmers,” he stated.
Shinde urged party workers to focus on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign for the voter list and to appoint more booth-level agents (BLAs).
Leave a Comment