Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has moved to quell potential discontent within his party ranks ahead of the crucial civic body polls. He has assured party colleagues and aspirants that those denied tickets to contest the forthcoming elections will be rehabilitated in nominated positions across various local and state bodies.
Shinde's Assurance on Rehabilitation
The statement was made by Shinde late Tuesday night in Thane during a significant event—the induction of former Navi Mumbai corporators, including M K Madhvi, into the party fold. With the civic elections likely to be contested by the Mahayuti alliance across 29 state corporations, several prominent local leaders face the prospect of being left out of the direct electoral fray.
"Those who are denied the chance to contest the local civic bodies should not be worried or feel less confident in their abilities," Shinde stated. He elaborated, "There are several posts in various state and local bodies, including corporations, left vacant by choice where we will rehabilitate those denied seats in the forthcoming elections." This strategic move is seen as a measure to placate any potential rebellion and maintain party unity.
A Veiled Dig at Opponents and Focus on Welfare
During his address, Shinde also launched a sharp attack on his political opponents, using vivid imagery. "Usually, you see dogs barking at humans, but I have humans barking at me day in and day out," he remarked, making a veiled dig. He accused them of hurling abuses constantly and stated that his chosen form of retaliation was through dedicated work.
Shinde connected his humble origins to his government's popular welfare initiatives. "Apparently, they failed to digest that a common man could ascend to the state's top throne. However, I have faced the struggles of a common man and know the hardships borne by my wife and mother, which laid the seeds for the Laadki Bahin scheme," he explained. Highlighting the scheme's success among women, he tacitly hinted at expanding its benefits. "I won't let the assistance stop at Rs 1,500 and want my sisters to become lakhpatis," Shinde added, signaling a potential increase in financial sops for women in the state.
Implications for the Upcoming Civic Polls
This dual approach by the Shiv Sena chief—offering a safety net to ticket aspirants while championing pro-women policies—is a calculated political maneuver. The promise of rehabilitation in boards or commissions aims to:
- Secure loyalty within the party cadre.
- Prevent defections or internal sabotage.
- Ensure a united front for the Mahayuti alliance in the complex civic elections.
Meanwhile, his emphasis on the Laadki Bahin scheme and the ambition to make women 'lakhpatis' is clearly aimed at consolidating a significant voter base ahead of the polls. The political landscape in Maharashtra's urban local bodies is set for a keen contest, with Shinde's Shiv Sena preparing its strategy on both organizational and populist fronts.
