Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 23 : As the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance edges closer to a historic win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, leading in over 231 seats, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday called it a "record-breaking victory" for the alliance.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is leading in 51 seats.
Addressing a press conference alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde said, "This is the record-breaking victory of Mahayuti. We are thankful to the whole of Maharashtra...We removed all the obstacles created by the MVA during their governance.."
In celebration, Shinde, Fadnavis, Pawar and other Mahayuti leaders showed victory signs and exchanged sweets as they prepared to form the government.
Emphasising that their government represents the "common man", Shinde thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support. In a symbolic gesture, he redefined "CM" to mean "Common Man" instead of "Chief Minister."
"Our government is the government of the common man. I'm thankful to PM Modi for his incredible support. Women, children, and farmers were out central focus. We aim to transform the common man into a 'Superman'. For me, CM stands for Common Man," Shinde said.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar highlighted the Ladki Bahin Yojana as a "game changer" that helped Mahayuti defeat their opponent.
"The Ladki Bahin Yojana became our game changer. It defeated each of our adversaries. I have not seen such a victory in my memory," Pawar said.
He also acknowledged the increased responsibility this victory brings and emphasized the need for financial discipline in delivering on their promises.
"We will not be carried away by this victory; instead, it increases our responsibility. We have to behave responsibly now. Especially financial discipline is essential to fulfil all our promises. We are committed to working together for Maharashtra's development over the next five years," Pawar said.
Commenting on criticism about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Pawar dismissed the allegations, noting that they had lost elections using the same EVMs in Lok Sabha polls and Jharkhand.
"Those blaming EVMs must remember we lost the Lok Sabha elections, and now Jharkhand elections on the same EVMs. We even lost some seats here by very thin margins," he said.
Deputy CM Fadnavis said that expressed his gratitude towards the people of Maharashtra, acknowledging the increased responsibility that comes with their overwhelming support.
"We are humbled by the support of Maharashtra and its people. This victory has increased our responsibility. Maharashtra has shown its full support for Modi ji and we will do everything to reciprocate their trust," he said.