Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the opposition, declaring that while they prioritize dynasty politics, his Shiv Sena stands for Maharashtra’s progress.
Speaking at a massive Jan Aabhar Melava (public thanksgiving meeting) in Ratnagiri, Shinde said, “Those who mortgaged Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and our bow and arrow for power are now peddling fake narratives. But while they focus on propaganda, we remain committed to real development.”
The event saw a major political shift, with several key leaders from the Sena (UBT) faction—including former MLA Subhash Bane, district chief Vilas Chalke, former Zilla Parishad member Balsheth Jadhav, Prashant Surve, and taluka chief Sandeep Sawant—joining Shiv Sena under Shinde’s leadership.
Shinde reminded the audience how loyal and ambitious Shiv Sainiks were sidelined in the past. “Leaders like Ramdas Kadam, Narayan Rane, and I have experienced this firsthand. We faced police cases and hardships for the party, while some betrayed Balasaheb’s legacy by trading Shiv Sena’s identity and its sacred symbol. I took it upon myself to restore it.”
Responding to corruption allegations, Shinde fired back, “For two and a half years, they kept making accusations about ‘boxes,’ but in the elections, the people locked them in those very boxes.” He added, “Their agenda is politics, ours is development. Their priority is corruption, ours is Maharashtra first.”
Shinde assured that all welfare schemes, including Ladki Bahin Yojana and Ladka Bhau Yojana, would continue. “This government does not make impulsive decisions. Every scheme is carefully planned, and the overwhelming mandate given to Mahayuti proves that the people trust our vision.”
He stressed that the Mumbai-Goa Highway will be completed soon while the Mumbai-Sindhudurg Access Control Express Highway is in progress.
His other major announcements included:
Rs 30,000 crore investment in Ratnagiri MIDC to create 38,000 jobs.
Sixty-seven TMC of water will be redirected from the Koyna River to boost Konkan’s development.
Konkan Development Authority was established for regional progress.
“Instead of dreaming of making Konkan like California, we should work towards developing Konkan in a way that even California should aspire to be like us,” Shinde said.
Highlighting Shiv Sena’s electoral dominance, Shinde stated: "In Konkan, Shiv Sena contested 9 seats and won 8, while Mahayuti contested 15 and won 14—a 95% strike rate.
"Despite claims that no MLA from our faction would win, Mahayuti secured 232 seats, with Shiv Sena winning 60 out of 80," he claimed, adding that Shiv Sena received 15 lakh more votes than UBT, proving who the true heirs of Balasaheb’s ideology are.
Shinde concluded with an emotional appeal, reaffirming his commitment to the people.
“Power comes and goes, but once Balasaheb’s name is lost, it cannot be regained. The love and trust of our sisters through Ladki Bahin Yojana is the greatest honour for me. Until the last drop of blood, I will work tirelessly for Maharashtra.”
Urging party workers to expand Shiv Sena’s reach, he said, “Increase membership registrations and take Shiv Sena to every home and village. The workers and the people are our greatest strength, and we will never betray their trust.”
