Thane, Dec 21 (NationPress) As the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections approach, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena Chief, Eknath Shinde, stated on Sunday that the party has shown a remarkable strike rate in the recent nagar parishad and nagar panchayat elections.

He credited this achievement to a focus on development and strong grassroots connections, asserting that the election outcomes have definitively resolved the discussion surrounding the "real" Shiv Sena.

During a press conference, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde made a pointed remark towards the opposition, stating, "The voters have sent home those who attempted to confine others to their homes. The electorate has clearly indicated who the authentic Shiv Sena belongs to."

The Mahayuti alliance celebrated a significant victory in the recent local body elections.

While the BJP emerged as the dominant party by surpassing the century mark, Shiv Sena took the second position with over 50 seats.

Notably, despite contesting a smaller number of seats, Shiv Sena achieved a high winning percentage and claimed numerous President (Nagaradhyaksha) positions, according to Deputy CM Shinde.

He also mentioned that the election results suggest that in various areas, the total strength of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) fell short of the figures attained by Shiv Sena alone.

Refuting claims that Shiv Sena's influence is limited to Thane or Mumbai, Deputy CM Shinde stressed the party's accomplishments in the coastal region of Maharashtra.

"The election results have confirmed that the Konkan region serves as a stronghold for Shiv Sena, with notable wins in Raigad, Palghar, and other areas of Maharashtra. The Bow and Arrow symbol has now reached every household across the state," he remarked.

He attributed the victory to the relentless efforts of the party's office-bearers and grassroots supporters.

He emphasized that the citizens of Maharashtra favor leaders who prioritize infrastructure and essential services over mere political talk.

"People desire a leader who takes action. Shiv Sena has consistently stood by the public during crises, and the 'Sena-Sankat' (Sena in times of trouble) equation remains deeply embedded in the public consciousness," he noted.

Congratulating Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the alliance's success, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde described the election victory as a "receipt of approval" for the efforts made by the Mahayuti government over the past three and a half years.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad elections, Deputy CM Shinde expressed great confidence.

"This is merely a trailer; the full movie is yet to come," he predicted, anticipating a sweeping success for the Mahayuti alliance in future Maharashtra elections.