Shinde Dismisses Thackeray Alliance as No Challenge in Mumbai Polls
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has firmly stated that the alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray poses no significant threat to the ruling Mahayuti coalition in the upcoming municipal corporation elections. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Shinde emphasized that large crowds at rallies do not necessarily translate into votes. He pointed to the development work carried out by his government over the past three-and-a-half years as the real factor that will sway voters.
Development Over Rhetoric: Shinde Highlights Mumbai Projects
Shinde listed several key infrastructure projects that have progressed under the Mahayuti government. The Metro network is expanding rapidly across the city. Cement concrete roads are being constructed to improve connectivity. The Coastal Road project has finally started after years of delays. Shinde argued that these tangible achievements will resonate more with voters than mere political speeches.
He specifically addressed claims by Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray regarding credit for the Coastal Road. Shinde clarified that the project only moved forward after the BJP and Shiv Sena governments assumed power at both the central and state levels. He noted that the BMC acted as the implementing agency but lacked the necessary permissions and funds earlier. Devendra Fadnavis expedited these processes after 2014, enabling the project to commence.
Marathi Identity: A Tool of Convenience, Says Shinde
Shinde accused the Thackeray cousins of exploiting Marathi sentiments solely for electoral gains. He stated that they raise the issue of Marathi identity every election cycle only to forget it afterward. Shinde asserted that Mumbai is an integral part of Maharashtra and cannot be separated. He used a vivid analogy to drive home his point.
"Mumbai is not a cake to be cut into pieces and separated," Shinde declared. "This is the unwavering stand of the Shiv Sena. The Thackerays create fear among people by suggesting Mumbai will be snatched away, but it is just a political narrative with no basis in reality."
Controversial Remarks by BJP Leaders Addressed
When questioned about comments from BJP leaders like Annamalai and Kripa Shankar Singh, Shinde did not mince words. He stated that Annamalai's remarks about Mumbai being an international city were incorrect and should not have been made. Shinde confirmed that he has conveyed his disapproval directly to the BJP leadership, who are now reviewing the matter.
Regarding local disputes, such as those in Ambernath involving BJP leader Ganesh Naik, Shinde explained that friendly contests occur in some local body elections where alliances are not feasible. He emphasized that individual statements by leaders do not reflect the official party position. Shinde maintains continuous coordination with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to resolve such issues promptly.
Alliance Dynamics: Sena and BJP Working Through Frictions
Shinde acknowledged that there have been visible frictions between the Shiv Sena and BJP ahead of the local body polls. Incidents like Cabinet meeting boycotts and allegations of poaching have surfaced. However, he assured that a clear consensus exists among the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP to prevent poaching within the alliance.
"We resolve everything through discussion," Shinde said. "Our national alliance is based on shared ideology. Local issues arise but get settled with sustained coordination between the CM and me."
Marathi Mayor Promise and Corruption Allegations
Shinde confidently predicted that a Marathi Mayor from the Mahayuti will be installed in Mumbai if the coalition wins the BMC polls. He stressed that the primary focus is on securing victory first, with decisions about specific positions to follow.
He also launched a sharp attack on the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde accused them of widespread corruption during the Covid-19 pandemic, citing irregularities in food supply, body bags, and silt contracts. He claimed that Marathi contractors were unfairly blacklisted and that projects like Metro Line 3 were stalled, leading to cost escalations of Rs 10,000 crore.
Mahayuti's Achievements for Mumbai
Shinde outlined several accomplishments of the Mahayuti government to counter criticism. The administration has granted occupancy certificates to 20,000 buildings. It has initiated efforts to create a pagdi-free Mumbai by reforming the old tenancy system. Stalled redevelopment projects in funnel zones have been restarted, and 17 cluster development projects have received approval.
Additionally, the government has provided houses to 10,000–12,000 mill workers and plans to accommodate one lakh more. Shinde contrasted this with what he called the double standards of his opponents, who he said attack industrialists publicly but engage with them privately.
"They handed over the Dharavi redevelopment and Navi Mumbai airport to the Adani Group when in power," Shinde remarked. "Now they criticize industrialists for political convenience. People see through this hypocrisy."
