Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, stating that India is on the verge of becoming an economic superpower. Speaking on the occasion of the NDA government completing 11 years, Shinde noted that under Modi’s leadership, India’s global economic ranking has improved dramatically—from 11th position before 2014 to 4th place today, with the nation poised to soon become the third-largest economy in the world.
Shinde celebrated this milestone by highlighting the transformative governance that replaced the corruption-plagued Congress era. “Before 2014, the country was plagued by scams like the fodder scam, 2G spectrum scam, coal scam, and the Commonwealth Games scandal. In contrast, the last 11 years under Modiji have been marked by clean and decisive governance,” he said.
He credited Modi with steering India toward self-reliance across critical sectors, including defence and space technology. “India has become self-sufficient in defence production. Warships and BrahMos missiles are now built locally. Rafale fighter jets will also be manufactured in India through a partnership with the Tata Group,” Shinde said.
India’s global stature in science and space exploration was also highlighted. “We’ve landed at the moon’s south pole, and our Mars missions are setting global benchmarks,” he said. “This is a new India—bold, capable, and respected on the world stage.”
Also read
- Rahul Gandhi’s allegation of poll rigging ‘childish’, says Sanjay Nirupam
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis flags off Bharat Gaurav special train
- At least 5 feared dead, several injured as passengers fall off crowded Mumbai local train
- Maharashtra poll results row: 'Rahul Gandhi rejecting mandate as they have rejected him', says Fadnavis
In a swipe at the Opposition, Shinde said, “While the Congress chanted slogans of poverty eradication for 50 years, Modi’s policies have delivered real outcomes. In 10 years, 27 crore Indians have risen above the poverty line. Free ration is being provided to 80 crore people, and the country has witnessed the construction of 141 airports—up from just 74 in 2014.”
He also lauded women-centric schemes such as Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao for empowering women through financial inclusion and self-respect. “The 33% reservation for women, educational reforms, and initiatives like Shetkari Samman Yojana demonstrate Modiji’s commitment to inclusive growth,” Shinde added.
Criticising political opponents, Shinde remarked, “In Maharashtra, people vote for those who work—not those who only criticise. Despite continuous attacks during my tenure as chief minister, the people stood by me. They sent my critics packing.”
On the Dharavi redevelopment project, Shinde said, “Those who kept people in slums for decades now live in bungalows and are opposing development. Let me be clear—the Dharavi redevelopment will be overseen by the state government, and no one will be displaced unfairly.”
Taking a sharp dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he added, “Rahul Gandhi criticising Modiji is like spitting at the sun—it makes no difference.”
