Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde delivered a strong political message during campaign rallies in Kolhapur and Nashik on Saturday, firmly committing to the continuation of the state's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme and launching a sharp attack on opposition parties.
Unwavering Commitment to Ladki Bahin Yojana
Addressing a public gathering at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Kolhapur city, Shinde categorically promised that the Ladki Bahin yojana will not be shut down under any circumstances. He accused opposition parties of spreading false news about the scheme's discontinuation after initially challenging it in court.
"The opposition first went to court against the Ladki Bahin yojana, and now their manifesto promises to increase the amount distributed. I have told all my ladki bahins to stay away from these cruel 'stepbrothers'," Shinde stated. He credited women beneficiaries for supporting the Mahayuti alliance in the recent assembly elections and predicted a similar outcome in the upcoming municipal corporation polls.
Development Agenda and Kolhapur's "Saffron Cyclone"
Shinde, who was campaigning for Mahayuti candidates in the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections, framed the contest as a battle between development and stagnation. He claimed Kolhapur endured 15 years of exile under Congress rule, comparing it to Lord Ram's 14-year exile.
"Now it is time to bring a saffron cyclone across Maharashtra. Our agenda is clear: Vikas, Vikas and Vikas," he declared, expressing confidence in a one-sided victory for the ruling alliance based on his internal survey.
The Deputy CM listed several development projects initiated in Kolhapur, including funds for Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruh, Shahu Khasbaug Maidan, electric buses, Shahu Samadhi Sthal, a convention centre, hockey stadium development, construction of 16 major roads, and beautification of Rankala lake and Panchaganga Ghat.
Contrast with Previous Government
In a direct criticism of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde highlighted the difference in fund allocation. "Earlier, the chief minister gave Rs 3 crore for health funds, whereas Eknath Shinde gave Rs 407 crore for the same," he asserted. He contrasted his ground-level work as a 'karyakarta' with what he implied was the opposition's reliance on social media broadcasts.
Nashik Rally: Tax Relief and Countering Opposition
Later in the evening, Shinde addressed a rally in Nashik to support NCP, Shiv Sena, and RPI candidates contesting together against BJP. He responded to criticism about candidates winning unopposed in various corporation elections by challenging the opposition to introspect.
"There are some who are feeling uneasy after our candidates got elected unopposed. Why don't you check with your candidates who fled the scene?" he questioned.
Shinde also made significant announcements for Nashik city, promising house tax exemption for properties up to 500 sqft, mirroring a policy in Mumbai. He further declared a 50% incentive FSI on property redevelopment (similar to Thane) and permission for 30-meter buildings on 9-meter roads to boost urban renewal.
Addressing Local Issues and Rival Rallies
Referring to the recent joint rally of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray in Nashik, Shinde remarked, "They came together after 20 years only to discuss their future, as they are worried about what will happen to them."
On the sensitive issue of tree felling in Tapovan for Kumbh Mela preparations—a matter uniting other parties against BJP—Shinde adopted a balanced stance. "We are committed to the development of Tapovan for the historic Kumbh Mela, but without any kind of compromise with the environment," he assured.
Concluding his address, Shinde promised to serve Nashik as a mother would, indirectly referencing former CM Devendra Fadnavis's earlier adoption of the city for development.
The rallies saw Shinde accompanied by a host of leaders including guardian minister Prakash Abitkar, state planning commission head MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, MP Dhairyasheel Mane, and other office-bearers from Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, underscoring the Mahayuti's united front for the civic polls.
