Mumbai: CM Eknath Shinde At Mega Dussehra Rally Slams Uddhav Thackeray, Says UBT Chief Pleading For CM Post

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on October 12. This event coincided with a parallel rally by the rival Shiv Sena UBT faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, at Shivaji Park. Both rallies were seen as a show of strength ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.

During his address, Shinde criticised Uddhav Thackeray's faction without naming them directly. He claimed that some individuals are embarrassed to identify as Hindu. "Some people have developed an allergy to the word 'Hindu.' They feel ashamed to be called Hindu," Shinde stated. He also mentioned that despite predictions of its downfall, his government has remained stable for two years.

Eknath Shinde's Criticism of Uddhav Thackeray

Shinde accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals and said that if the Maha Vikas Aghadi government had continued, Maharashtra would have lagged behind. He further mocked Uddhav for frequently visiting Delhi, suggesting he was pleading to become Chief Minister again. "If we hadn't rebelled, the only news would have been that 'Babu woke up, and Babu went to sleep,'" Shinde remarked.

The Chief Minister emphasised that his visits to Delhi are focused on development rather than seeking political power. "When we go to Delhi, it's for development. We don't go to Delhi to beg to be made Chief Minister," he asserted. Shinde also congratulated Shiv Sena UBT for gaining votes other than Hindu ones and compared them to AIMIM.

Shinde's Vision for Maharashtra

Shinde expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance returning to power with a majority in the upcoming elections. He outlined his vision for Maharashtra's economy, aiming for it to reach $3 trillion. "The people of the state will elect the Mahayuti (grand alliance) with a majority," he declared.

In a strong message directed at Shiv Sena UBT, Shinde warned against underestimating him. "Don't take me lightly. I am not one to leave the field and run away," he stated firmly. He highlighted his government's popularity among various groups like sisters, farmers, and brothers over the past two years.

Developmental Concerns Raised by Eknath Shinde

Shinde criticised the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray for halting developmental projects in Mumbai, including Dharavi's redevelopment. "The development of Dharavi is an international project, but they even worked to stop that," he alleged.

The Chief Minister stressed making Mumbai slum-free and promised resettlement for those who had left the city. "We stand with the people of Dharavi," he assured while urging residents not to believe rumours about halted projects.

Shinde took another jab at Uddhav by contrasting their leadership styles during COVID-19 times. He portrayed himself as proactive and willing to help people rather than staying home out of fear. "I am not a Chief Minister who would sit at home in fear of COVID but one who steps forward," he said.

The rally underscored ongoing tensions between rival factions within Shiv Sena as they prepare for crucial state elections next month.