Addressing an election rally ahead of the January 15 municipal corporation polls, Eknath Shinde alleged that Uddhav Thackeray’s limited public outreach has left party cadres demoralised
Eknath Shinde accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of abandoning Hindutva ideology. File Pic
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday claimed that workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) across the state feel neglected as party leader Uddhav Thackeray is no longer travelling outside Mumbai, reported the PTI.
Addressing an election rally ahead of the January 15 municipal corporation polls, Eknath Shinde alleged that Uddhav Thackeray’s limited public outreach has left party cadres demoralised.
Targeting the Congress and the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Shinde said development in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar had been delayed due to corruption, similar to what he claimed had occurred in Mumbai.
The Shinde-led Shiv Sena is contesting 96 seats in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar municipal elections.
Water crisis blamed on previous regimes
Shinde alleged that the city’s long-pending water supply problem remained unresolved due to corruption under the Congress and later the MVA government.
“The foundation stone for the water pipeline project was laid even before the work order was issued. Now the work is finally underway, and the city will get water within two months. As Chief Minister, I sanctioned Rs 822 crore for this project,” he said, according to the PTI.
He further blamed Shiv Sena (UBT) for the water crisis in the city.
Attack over Hindutva and city renaming
Shinde accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of abandoning Hindutva ideology and criticised the party for giving a ticket to former mayor Rashid Khan, who had opposed the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
“This is the first election after the city’s renaming, yet Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded a leader who opposed it. People should not support a party that has now become the party of ‘Rashid Mamu’,” he said, as per the PTI.
Allegations over Pakistani flags
The Deputy Chief Minister also alleged that allowing Pakistani flags at rallies amounted to a betrayal of Hindutva.
“Those who permitted Pakistani flags are deceiving people by wearing a false mask of Hindutva. Such forces must be kept out of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,” Shinde said, the news agency reported.
‘I took a risk in 2022,’ Says Shinde
Shinde said the Thackeray family becomes uneasy whenever he travels to Delhi or his native village.
“We are contesting these elections independently. I took a bold step in 2022 and brought down the government while staying true to Bal Thackeray’s ideology,” he said, reported the PTI.
Personal struggles led to welfare schemes
Sharing a personal account, Shinde said his experience of poverty and watching his mother manage the household with limited income inspired the creation of the Ladki Bahin welfare scheme.
Swipe at AIMIM leader
In an apparent attack on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Shinde said those who disrespect Hindu deities, oppose Vande Mataram, and glorify Aurangzeb must be firmly dealt with, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
