Exclusive: New India Under PM Modi Strikes Enemies Where It Hurts Them The Most: Maha CM Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde minced no words in criticising the opposition parties for their stance on crucial national issues.

In an exclusive interview with Oneindia, Shinde, whose Shiv Sena is a key ally of the BJP-led NDA, expressed his resolute support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the country and dismissed the opposition's attempts to corner the government on various fronts.

Addressing the controversial remarks made by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, who stated that Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons and should not be taken lightly, Shinde came down heavily on the opposition. "The opposition is doing a disservice to the nation by favouring Pakistan. The New India under Prime Minister Modi strikes the enemies where it hurts them the most," he asserted.

Shinde's scathing remarks highlighted the government's unwavering stance against cross-border terrorism and its commitment to national security. He accused the opposition of speaking the language of Pakistan, a notion he vehemently rejected, stating that India is no longer the same and will give a befitting reply to any provocation.

On the contentious issue of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Shinde lauded the Modi government's decision to revoke it. "Modi ji and Amit Shah have turned the tables. They did a smooth transition with the abrogation of Article 370. Tourism and development have increased in Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition should not favour Pakistan. India knows how to respond to Pakistan," he said.

The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a long-standing demand of the Hindutva forces, also found mention in the interview. Shinde commended Prime Minister Modi for making it possible, adding that the late Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena, had also desired the construction of the temple. He criticised the Congress party for choosing not to attend the temple's inauguration ceremony.

Addressing the split within the Shiv Sena, Shinde defended his decision to break away from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, accusing Thackeray of distorting Balasaheb's thoughts and belittling the values of Veer Savarkar. He expressed his satisfaction with half of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) now being part of the NDA coalition in Maharashtra.

On the NDA's prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shinde exuded confidence, stating that the aim is to make Prime Minister Modi the prime minister for the third time. "We are working hard, and people will vote us in power again. Opposition has spread negativity. We are working for prosperity, and Maharashtra is trying to empower and make BJP and PM Modi strong," he asserted.

Shinde also highlighted his government's efforts to empower the socially backward Maratha community, stating that they have restored Maratha pride and done what the previous Congress-NCP governments failed to accomplish.

As the political landscape in Maharashtra and India continues to evolve, Shinde's unwavering support for the BJP-led NDA and his criticism of the opposition's stance on national issues have set the stage for an intense electoral battle. With the Lok Sabha elections results on the horizon, the CM's remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political discourse, further heating up the already heated political climate.