Shinde Confident Ahead of Mumbai Civic Polls, Hits Out at Thackerays and BJP Remarks
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has firmly dismissed the electoral challenge posed by the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. In an exclusive interview just two days before the crucial municipal corporation elections, Shinde asserted that Mumbai will see a Marathi Mayor from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He also addressed recent controversies involving BJP leaders and defended his government's development record.
No Real Threat from Thackeray Alliance, Says Shinde
Shinde downplayed the significance of the large crowds at recent Thackeray rallies. He pointed out that Raj Thackeray consistently draws big audiences because of his oratory skills. However, Shinde emphasized that converting those crowds into votes requires tangible development work.
"Having a huge crowd at a public meeting does not automatically mean traction or response," Shinde stated. "People vote for development and constructive work."
The Deputy CM highlighted the Mahayuti government's infrastructure projects in Mumbai, including Metro expansion, cement concrete road construction, and the Coastal Road initiative. He claimed these demonstrate rapid progress that voters will recognize.
Mumbai Development Credit Debate
Addressing claims that the Coastal Road project originated during the Thackerays' tenure at the BMC, Shinde provided a different timeline. He acknowledged that while the project received approval in the 1990s, actual implementation only began after BJP and Shiv Sena governments assumed power at both state and central levels.
"When Devendra Fadnavis came to power in 2014, he expedited permissions, ensured funds were approved, and obtained necessary approvals from the Centre," Shinde explained.
He questioned why the BMC didn't start the project earlier if it was truly feasible during previous administrations. Shinde accused opponents of using such claims to distract voters from substantive issues.
Marathi Identity as Election Issue
Shinde criticized what he called the Thackerays' selective use of Marathi identity concerns. He alleged they raise the issue during elections only to forget it afterward.
"For them, Marathi identity is an issue of convenience," Shinde charged. "They use it when it suits them and forget it once its purpose is over."
The Shiv Sena leader firmly rejected narratives suggesting Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra. "No one can separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. Mumbai is not a cake to be cut into pieces and separated," he declared, calling this his party's consistent position.
Addressing BJP Allies' Controversial Remarks
Shinde acknowledged that remarks by BJP leaders like Annamalai and Kripa Shankar Singh have fueled concerns about Marathi sentiments. He specifically addressed Annamalai's recent comments about Mumbai as an international city requiring aligned governance.
"What Annamalai said was wrong and he should not have said it," Shinde stated clearly. "I have conveyed this to the BJP leadership, and they are looking into the matter."
Regarding local-level friction with BJP leaders like Ganesh Naik, Shinde explained that friendly contests occur where local alliances aren't feasible. He emphasized resolving such issues through discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Alliance Dynamics and Future Plans
Despite visible friction before the local body polls, including Cabinet meeting boycotts and poaching allegations, Shinde expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance. He noted clear consensus against poaching within the alliance and continuous coordination with the CM.
On the crucial question of Mumbai's Mayor position, Shinde reiterated: "A Marathi Mayor from the Mahayuti will be installed in Mumbai." While not explicitly committing to a Shiv Sena Mayor, he emphasized winning the polls as the immediate priority.
Accusations Against Opponents
Shinde accused the Thackeray-led MVA government of corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing irregularities in food supply, body bags, Covid centers, silt contracts, and road works. He claimed Marathi contractors faced blacklisting under their administration.
The Deputy CM also criticized what he called opponents' double standards toward industrialists. "You attack industrialists in public but invite them home for dinner. Your children dance at their weddings," he remarked, referencing the Thackerays' past engagements with business groups.
Mahayuti's Development Claims
Shinde listed several achievements his government claims for Mumbai:
- Granting occupancy certificates to 20,000 buildings
- Working toward a pagdi-free Mumbai (eliminating an old tenancy system)
- Restarting stalled redevelopment projects in funnel zones
- Approving 17 cluster development projects
- Providing houses to 10,000-12,000 mill workers with plans for one lakh more
"We don't fill our own homes; we build houses for people," Shinde concluded, contrasting his government's approach with what he characterized as opponents' self-serving politics.
The interview reveals Shinde's confident posture ahead of critical municipal elections, his efforts to manage alliance tensions, and his strategy of emphasizing development while countering opponents' identity-based campaigns.
