Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 16 : As the ruling Mahayuti alliance gears up for Maharashtra assembly polls next month, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has emerged as an influential political figure who seeks to balance tradition with modernity, effectively handles a crisis and delivers on promises.
With the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance unwilling to name its chief ministerial face, Eknath Shinde gives an edge to the campaign of the ruling alliance.
BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave an indication of Shinde's future role at a joint press conference on Wednesday, saying "our Chief Minister is sitting here".
"Maha Vikas Aghadi is not announcing the CM face because they don't think their CM can come after the elections. We don't need to announce the CM's face, our CM is sitting here. I challenge Pawar Sahab to declare their face for the CM post," Fadnavis said. He made the remarks in the presence of Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were present at the press conference.
Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly will be held in a single phase on November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.
Eknath Shinde became Chief Minister in June 2022 following a split in Shiv Sena and has steered the coalition government through many challenges.
Once an unexpected contender, Eknath Shinde has defied the odds to become one of the most prominent political figures in Maharashtra.
He has shown resilience, transformation, and an unbreakable bond with the people of the state while also exhibiting a visionary leadership and game-changing policies, Shiv Sena leaders said, adding that he has become a central figure to shape the future of the state and represents aspirations of millions of citizens.
Starting his career as a rickshaw driver, Shinde's rise to the highest office in Maharashtra is a true underdog story. He has shown determination to serve the people and his story resonates with the common man.
Shinde has maintained a deep connection with his roots and his constituents. He has a simple lifestyle, and stays rooted which has helped him earn trust of the youth.
Committed to people of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde believes in hands-on and action-oriented approach to governance and seeks to lead from the front whether it is any crisis or visiting drought-hit villages addressing urban challenges. His ability to make quick decisions and follow through on promises is a significant reason for his popularity, Shiv Sena leaders said.
Shinde's leadership during crises has been noted by people. Whether responding to floods, droughts, or landslides, Shinde has been on the ground, offering support and reassurance to affected communities. He has pursued proactive approach to disaster management to ensure that Maharashtra is better prepared for future crises, with improved infrastructure and systems in place to handle emergencies.
Seen as "Infrastructure Man," Eknath Shinde has also been instrumental in expanding the Mumbai Metro and overseeing the construction of projects like the Coastal Road, Atal Setu and Samruddhi Mahamarg. He is keen to transform Maharashtra into a global infrastructure hub.
His administration's focus on infrastructure extends beyond urban centres with significant investments made to improve roads, water supply, and electricity in rural areas. An example being the 5,000 km Access Control Grid road plan which aims to further enhance connectivity between rural and urban regions, providing jobs and economic opportunities to millions across the state.
Eknath Shinde has focused on agriculture and rural development. His government has introduced policies such as loan waivers and subsidies for farmers, as well as improvements in irrigation facilities to address the challenges faced by Maharashtra's farming community. In addition, Shinde's administration has been pushing for farmers to receive fair prices for their crops, eliminating exploitation by middlemen and improving the livelihood of rural populations.
One of the most significant initiatives introduced by Shinde's government is the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, a flagship programme that has impacted the lives of over 1.6 crore women in the state. This Rs 46,000 crore initiative is a bold step towards women's empowerment, providing financial support and improving opportunities for women across Maharashtra.
Eknath Shinde has strong commitment to Hindutva and he says he is carrying forward the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and his mentor Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. He has sought to carry forward this ideology, blending it with inclusive governance that appeals to today's voters and e has been able to expand his appeal to a broader electorate, including young voters and thod se from diverse backgrounds.
A key moment in Shinde's tenure has been his handling of the Maratha reservation issue, a politically sensitive topic in Maharashtra. Shinde's swift action in granting a 10 per cent quota to the Maratha community demonstrated his ability to deliver on promises while navigating complex legal frameworks. His strong ties to the Maratha community, rooted in his own background, have further strengthened his position as a leader who understands and champions the needs of the people.
As Maharashtra gears up for the assembly elections, Eknath Shinde stands as a frontrunner. Recent opinion polls have shown that Shinde is one of the most popular leaders in the state, with a significant chunk of voters preferring him as their next Chief Minister. His administration has emphasised transparency, action, and accessibility, earning him high approval ratings across the state.
Under his leadership, the Shiv Sena secured significant victories in key constituencies during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, solidifying his position as a formidable political leader.
The Mahayuti alliance has also rallied behind Shinde ahead of the assembly elections, recognizing his leadership and ability to unite different factions.