Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp political attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday, 19 June, calling him “the captain of those who keep losing” at a rally marking Shiv Sena’s 60th anniversary in Mumbai. Shinde also used the occasion to rally support for the Mahayuti alliance and reaffirm his party’s ideological identity.

Shinde’s Salvo at the Opposition

Contrasting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stated position — “Neither will I indulge in corruption nor allow corruption” — with what he described as the opposition’s track record, Shinde quipped: “Neither will I win nor let others win.” He accused leaders in the INDIA bloc of operating on ego rather than introspection, and claimed that wherever Rahul Gandhi campaigns, defeat follows for his alliance.

Targeting Shiv Sena (UBT), Shinde said those suggesting certain parties should merge with the Congress ought to first reckon with their own diminishing political strength. He recalled that when he broke away in 2022, critics predicted not a single Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) would stand by him. Instead, he said, the party grew from 40 to 60 MLAs, crediting grassroots Shiv Sainiks for the turnaround.

Modi, Shah, and the NDA Alliance

Shinde congratulated Prime Minister Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, describing his tenure as free from any taint of corruption. He also praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah, crediting him with effectively curbing Left Wing Extremism in Maharashtra and implementing the abrogation of Article 370.

Shinde noted that at a recent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting, Shiv Sena was given the honour of moving the resolution felicitating the Prime Minister — a detail he presented as recognition of the party’s standing within the alliance.

Balasaheb Thackeray’s Legacy and Party Identity

With 2025 marking the birth centenary of Bal Thackeray, Shinde emphasised that historic decisions such as the construction of the Ram Mandir and the abrogation of Article 370 fulfilled the late Sena founder’s long-held aspirations. He said that were Balasaheb Thackeray alive today, he too would have congratulated both Modi and Shah.

Shinde drew a clear line on the question of succession: “Balasaheb Thackeray’s true heirs are my Shiv Sainiks. Succession is not determined by blood relations but by ideology. Shiv Sena is not a piece of land; it is the ideology of millions of people.” He added that Shiv Sena has now emerged as the second-largest party in Maharashtra.

Mahayuti Unity and Welfare Pledges

Dismissing attempts to drive a wedge between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shinde insisted the Mahayuti alliance remains “completely united and strong.” He expressed confidence the opposition would fail to open its account in the upcoming Legislative Council elections.

On the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde said efforts to block the welfare scheme had been decisively rejected by the women of Maharashtra. “I promise that no matter what happens, no force in the world can stop the Ladki Bahin Yojana,” he declared. On the possibility of drought in Maharashtra, he assured farmers that the government is fully prepared, saying: “If anyone has the first right over Maharashtra’s treasury, it is our farmers.”

Shinde also urged party workers to focus on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and appoint more Booth Level Agents (BLAs) ahead of future elections.