Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that only the Mahayuti alliance will burst firecrackers after Diwali. (Photo: PTI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that only the Mahayuti alliance will burst firecrackers after Diwali, signalling their certainty of winning the upcoming assembly elections.
Addressing a gathering in his hometown Thane on Sunday evening, Shinde also paid rich tribute to his mentor Anand Dighe and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, stressing that the Sena led by him continues to uphold their teachings and principles.
“Do you want all the schemes and programmes initiated by the Yuti government to continue?” Shinde asked the audience, who responded in the affirmative.
The ruling ‘Mahayuti’ or grand alliance of Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is facing stiff opposition from Shiv Sena’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress in the assembly elections, due in October-November.
Referring to political opponents, Shinde said: “Let them go to the by-lanes or to Delhi, don’t give them any importance. We will continue with our work.”
He also mentioned his decision to field Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske for the Thane Lok Sabha constituency in the recent elections, a move that had been opposed by some. Mhaske won the seat.
Mocking his detractors, Shinde said his opponents constantly target him.
“Just like Santaji and Dhanaji (renowned for their pivotal role in fighting Mughal forces during the reign of Rajaram I) were seen everywhere in the water by their enemies, they see Eknath Shinde everywhere,” he said, adding that he is not bothered by criticism as long as people support him.
Shinde outlined the various schemes his government has launched to ensure that every family in Maharashtra is happy.
“Maharashtra is the first state to offer apprenticeships to educated youth and financial assistance for higher education,” the Prime Minister added.
He also shared a touching moment when he stepped in to help a family.
“At midnight, I came to know that a girl had committed suicide because her parents could not pay for her studies. At 2am, I decided to waive the fees for girls pursuing higher education,” Shinde added.
Referring to the ‘Ladki Bahin’ cash transfer scheme for women, Shinde said the monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 will not be stopped and on the contrary will be increased if “they increase the strength of this government”.
“The benefits will be proportional to the strength you provide; the same applies to men as well,” she added.
Shinde inaugurated the second phase of Gaimukh Chowpatty in Thane and announced a memorial for Shivaji Maharaj and Kanhoji Angre.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: September 2, 2024 | 09:55 IS
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