Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday delivered significant political statements during his campaign tour in Nagpur, blending praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with subtle criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while making important announcements about welfare schemes and development projects.
Constitution Day Celebrations and Political Jibes
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Shinde described the Indian Constitution as "one of the most progressive in the world" and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for institutionalizing Constitution Day celebrations across the nation. Without directly naming Rahul Gandhi, the Deputy Chief Minister took a veiled swipe at the Congress leader, stating that "some people insult the Constitution by waving red-bound books."
Shinde emphasized that such political leaders "should draw the right lessons" from the significance of Constitution Day, highlighting the contrast between what he portrayed as respectful observance by the ruling dispensation versus symbolic protests by opposition figures.
Women-Centric Welfare and Development Promises
Addressing questions about welfare programs, Shinde made a firm commitment to continue the Ladki Bahin scheme, which was launched during his tenure as Chief Minister. He assured that the program would persist "despite obstacles," ensuring ongoing financial benefits for women across Maharashtra.
The Deputy CM also provided concrete details about development initiatives, revealing that substantial funds had been allocated for infrastructure projects including roads, drinking water schemes, healthcare services, and urban amenities throughout the Vidarbha region. In a notable announcement, he confirmed that the Centre had released Rs 1 crore each to municipal bodies for creating "NaMo Udyan" parks, a project announced on the Prime Minister's birthday.
Campaign Success and Election Focus
Shinde expressed satisfaction with the public response to his campaign, noting that the last two days of campaigning across Vidarbha had drawn "overwhelming public response," with particularly strong support from women voters. He outlined that the upcoming Municipal and Nagar Panchayat elections would be contested primarily on the development plank, focusing on tangible improvements in civic infrastructure and public services.
Earlier in the day, Shinde had paid solemn homage to the victims and security personnel killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, describing it as "a dark day that the nation will never forget." This remembrance added a somber note to an otherwise politically charged day of campaigning.
The Deputy Chief Minister's statements in Nagpur effectively combined political messaging with policy announcements, positioning development and women's welfare as central themes for the forthcoming local elections while maintaining the broader political narrative contrasting the current administration with opposition approaches.
