Is Shiv Sena(UBT) Right to Call Dy CM Shinde's Government 'Braggarts'?

Mumbai, Sep 19 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) party accused the Maharashtra government of being a group of 'braggers', asserting that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, engage in excessive boasting.

This criticism was triggered by the trio's commendations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, where they highlighted his impact on the nation's populace. The Thackeray faction particularly targeted Dy CM Shinde for publishing a full-page advertisement emphasizing PM Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

In the editorial of their mouthpiece 'Saamana', the Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the assertions made by CM Fadnavis and his deputies regarding developmental achievements during PM Modi's governance are inflated claims. The party pointed out that the once prosperous state of Maharashtra is now laden with a staggering public debt of Rs 9.50 lakh crore. Over the past three months, the state government has incurred an additional loan of Rs 24,000 crore, exacerbating the financial strain.

The editorial remarked, “Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that we are set to create one crore women Lakhpati Didis amidst a state grappling with dire economic challenges. Instances of corruption and exploitation have surged. The Chief Minister and the leaders of parties like Dy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are amassing wealth through contractor dealings. Whether Maharashtra is sinking into debt or farmers are facing suicides due to financial distress is of no concern to individuals like Eknath Shinde,” it stated.

The Thackeray faction criticized Dy CM Shinde for his assertion that the government aims to extend development to the last individual, emphasizing that true progress begins with village development, which in turn influences taluka, district, state, and national growth.

Furthermore, the editorial challenged Dy CM Shinde’s claim of rejuvenation from working in agriculture in his village, highlighting the stark contrast to realities on the ground, especially concerning the plight of Maharashtra's farmers. The devastation caused by floods has led to farmers seeking assistance from officials for damage assessments. In the past eight days alone, 17 farmers have taken their lives, with over 2,000 suicides reported in a year. “With so many farmers burdened by debt, how does Dy CM Shinde maintain his youthful appearance post-agricultural work? What measures is he implementing to ensure that the joy on his face is mirrored on the faces of the distressed farmers across the state?” questioned the editorial.

Intensifying their critique, the editorial asserted that Dy CM Shinde's promise of delivering development to the grassroots is laughable when numerous villages in his own Thane district are still yearning for basic amenities. “There are no roads, schools, or healthcare services. During rains, children trek through mud and sometimes flooded rivers to attend school. Sick and expectant women are carried to talukas using 'doli' (palanquin), while Dy CM Shinde enjoys the benefits of development,” it claimed.

The Thackeray faction further suggested that Dy CM Shinde travels to his fields via helicopter when he feels the need for a break. “While individuals like him might appear evergreen, the common populace wears a frown. His fields should serve as a tourist attraction, showcasing the bounty of his agriculture, while millions of farmers rely on seeds from his lush lands,” it sarcastically remarked.