Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a crucial visit to the Vasai and Mira-Bhayandar regions on Saturday, rallying party workers and setting the stage for the impending municipal corporation elections. The visit was marked by a call for strengthened grassroots outreach, a defense of key welfare schemes, and pointed discussions on electoral alliances and seat-sharing formulas within the ruling MahaYuti coalition.
Shinde Highlights Development Deficit, Touts Ladki Bahin Yojana
Addressing a gathering of party cadres, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp critique against the previous local leadership, alleging that the Vasai-Virar region had suffered from years of neglect. He claimed that a lack of adequate infrastructure and basic civic amenities was a direct result of poor governance at the municipal level. In contrast, he positioned his administration as one focused on development and welfare.
Shinde prominently highlighted the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a financial assistance scheme for women, describing it as his favourite initiative from his tenure as Chief Minister. He credited the scheme as a "game changer" that significantly contributed to the alliance's success in the recent Assembly elections, suggesting it would remain a central plank in their civic poll campaign.
Sarnaik's Push for 50-50 Seat Sharing & Alliance Warning
The event in Bhayandar saw Transport Minister and local strongman Pratap Sarnaik presenting a firm demand regarding the electoral strategy. He openly advocated for a 50-50 seat-sharing arrangement between the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the BJP for the upcoming municipal polls.
Sarnaik justified his demand by pointing to the narrow margins of defeat in many wards during the last election. He referenced the 2017 corporation election results, where out of 95 seats, the undivided Shiv Sena had won 22, the BJP 61, the Congress 10, and independents secured 2. Asserting the strength of his local cadre, Sarnaik concluded with a pointed remark, stating that the 'sainiks' (soldiers) of Mira Bhayandar were prepared to contest alone if a fair alliance under the MahaYuti banner was not finalized.
Shinde Reaffirms MahaYuti Unity for Civic Battle
Responding to the underlying tensions around seat-sharing, Deputy CM Shinde emphasized the importance of coalition unity. He reminded workers that the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were won under the MahaYuti (grand alliance) umbrella, and the same united front would be essential for victory in the corporation elections.
His statement served to reassure the alliance while acknowledging the internal negotiations that typically precede local polls. The day's events underscored the dual focus of the ruling coalition: mobilizing the party base by promising development and welfare, while simultaneously managing the complex arithmetic of alliance politics to secure a majority in the crucial civic bodies.
