Did Eknath Shinde Just Call Uddhav Thackeray a Looters of Mumbai?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Eknath Shinde criticizes Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.
- The state government claims to protect Mumbai from opposition 'looting'.
- Shinde highlights significant developmental projects and achievements.
- Upcoming elections are pivotal for the Mahayuti alliance.
- The rhetoric between parties is intensifying as election day approaches.
Thane, Jan 2 (NationPress) In a pointed critique directed at the Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde proclaimed on Friday that while the opposition has "plundered" Mumbai, the current state government serves as its genuine "protector".
Addressing reporters in Thane, Eknath Shinde accused the Shiv Sena-UBT Chief of only showing interest in Mumbai and the Marathi community during election seasons.
"As elections draw near, certain individuals seem to suddenly care for Mumbai and the 'Marathi Manoos,'" remarked Deputy Chief Minister Shinde.
"They (Shiv Sena-UBT) owe the public an explanation about their contributions to the city and its residents over the years."
The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the Marathi-speaking demographic was driven out of Mumbai due to the policies of the previous administration.
He stated that the Mahayuti government is actively working to welcome them back.
"Instead of misleading Mumbaikars with emotional narratives, they should demonstrate their developmental achievements. Those who caused the exodus of Marathi individuals from Mumbai should reflect on their actions," he added.
He also criticized the negative remarks aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing them as "unacceptable" and politically charged.
Discussing the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde noted that seven candidates from the Shiv Sena-BJP-led Mahayuti alliance have been elected unopposed.
"This marks the start of our triumph. The residents of Thane have set the pace. There’s no doubt that on January 15, the saffron banner of the Mahayuti will fly high above the Thane Municipal Corporation," he stated confidently.
He mentioned that several candidates in Kalyan-Dombivli and Jalgaon have also won unopposed, describing these victories as "testaments of our work".
He implied that the Opposition should withdraw from the political race when they anticipate a loss.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde challenged the Opposition to mention a single major development project completed during their time in office.
He highlighted several achievements of the state government, including pothole-free roads, the expansion of the Metro network, the completion of the Mumbai Coastal Road, and the revival of stalled infrastructure projects.
He stressed that Prime Minister Modi aims to transform Mumbai into a "Global Fintech Hub", which has already drawn substantial investments to Maharashtra.
The Deputy Chief Minister accused the Opposition of attempting to create discord among Hindus by inciting Marathi-Gujarati tensions.
"Balasaheb Thackeray never engaged in such politics. Focus on developmental politics instead of misleading the populace with emotional rhetoric," he cautioned.