Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 12 : Mahrashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday accused the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government of slowing down the development process in the state, alleging that the MVA government put speed breakers in projects without brokerage.
"We removed the government that put speed breakers on development and obstructed progress. A true Shiv Sainik never deserts the battlefield or their ideals," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Shiv Sena's massive Dussehra gathering at Azad Maidan.
In a bold statement to his opponents, Shinde warned, "I am Balasaheb's Shiv Sainik. I won't back down. Don't take me lightly."
The Maharashtra Chief Minister used the event to unleash a scathing critique of the opposition. "This is the Azad rally of the Azad Shiv Sena. There is a saffron surge in Azad Maidan today, but it's shameful that Sena UBT is mistaking mere pebbles for diamonds. Our government came into power by sending the Maharashtra Opposition Alliance home," Shinde remarked, mocking those who predicted his government's downfall.
"They said the government would collapse in 15 days, a month, or six months. Yet here I am, standing strong, completing two years as Chief Minister with your blessings, without a scratch. While some criticised my beard, it was the Maha Vikas Aghadi that faltered. Thanks to their missteps, Maharashtra's development agenda is now running at full speed," he said.
Criticising the opposition's handling of Mumbai, Shinde said, "You were in power for 25 years, but never prioritised the people's happiness. You built bungalows while Dharavi's residents remained in slums. Our government has now ensured housing for 2.10 lakh slum dwellers in Dharavi. I urge the Dharavi residents not to be misled by the opposition's lies."
He continued his sharp attacks, accusing the previous government of corruption: "Had we not taken a stand, Facebook Live would've been their only accomplishment. They siphoned off money meant for Mumbai's roads, drains, and other infrastructure. Who profited from the body bags during COVID? Those who skimmed off the cream will not hide their dirty deeds. While people were dying, they were counting money."
Shinde listed stalled projects that had been delayed under the previous government, including the Metro, Bullet Train, Metro Carshed, and Marathwada Water Grid. "The Maha Vikas Aghadi put up speed breakers everywhere. Because of their arrogance, the cost of the metro went up by Rs 17,000 crores. If that money had been saved, we could've given Rs 3,000 to our beloved sisters instead of Rs 1,500."
Concluding with a challenge to the opposition, Shinde said, "The Mahayuti is ready to present the achievements of the government over the past two and a half years. We will build a constitution building in every taluka and allocate Rs 10 lakh for it. We've also provided Rs 46,000 crores in aid to farmers. Do you still not realise that a poor man's son has become the Chief Minister?"
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the people of Maharashtra will give a decisive mandate to the Mahayuti in the upcoming elections. "My dear sisters, brothers, senior citizens, and farmers are the brand ambassadors of this government. We stand tall before the people. Let's shatter the opposition's fake narrative and uphold the pride of Hindutva."