Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Campaigns in Sangli and Kolhapur for Local Body Elections
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, conducted a campaign tour in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts on Sunday, focusing on the upcoming zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections. His visit included public rallies and meetings with party workers, aimed at bolstering support for the Mahayuti alliance in these crucial local polls.
Public Rallies and Party Worker Addresses
Shinde addressed public gatherings at multiple locations, including Walva in Sangli district, as well as Hamidwada and Aalte in Kolhapur district. In addition to these rallies, he engaged with party workers at Rendal, Herle, and Tardal villages in Kolhapur, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization for the elections.
He was accompanied by a delegation of prominent leaders, including Tourism Minister Shamburaj Desai, Kolhapur Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar, MP Dhairyasheel Mane, and other office bearers from the Mahayuti coalition. This collective presence underscored the alliance's commitment to securing victories in the local body elections.
Shinde's Remarks on Campaigning Amidst Tragedy
At the rally in Walva, Shinde paid tribute to the late deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, describing his death as a tragic incident. He acknowledged the somber atmosphere in Maharashtra but stressed the necessity of continuing with the election campaign. "Even in this tough time, we are supposed to campaign for the zilla parishad elections. We cannot avoid the elections," Shinde stated.
He urged party workers to campaign in a low-key manner, avoiding negative rhetoric or abuse against opponents. "I request everyone to campaign in a low-key manner. Do not speak against or abuse anyone. We will campaign on our agenda of vikas (development)," he emphasized, highlighting a focus on constructive issues rather than personal attacks.
Focus on Development and Economic Growth
Shinde outlined the government's development agenda for the Kolhapur-Sangli region, referencing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Industries Minister Uday Samant at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He assured that these initiatives would address industrial requirements, create employment opportunities, and reduce youth migration to metro cities.
He also mentioned the recent Union Budget, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several schemes benefiting agriculture, tourism, small-scale industries, and self-help groups. "Even in today's budget, PM Modi declared several schemes for the benefit and betterment of agriculture, tourism, small-scale industries and self-help groups," Shinde said, linking local development to broader national policies.
Commitment to Statewide Progress
Addressing a public rally at Hamidwada, Shinde reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring development across Maharashtra. He listed key areas such as agriculture, tourism, health, employment, and IT Parks, promising that these issues and demands would be addressed promptly. "Our agenda is to ensure development across Maharashtra. Agriculture, tourism, health, employment, IT Park and other issues and demands will be addressed soon," he affirmed, reinforcing a vision of inclusive growth for the state.
This campaign tour highlights the strategic importance of the Sangli-Kolhapur region in Maharashtra's political landscape, with Shinde leveraging development promises to garner support in the upcoming local elections.
