Nagpur, Dec 14 ( UNI) Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, saying, “We washed Mumbai’s roads, never looted its treasury.”
Speaking on the final day of the winter session of the legislature, Shinde alleged corruption during the COVID period and the Mithi River desilting works, calling Thackeray a “Rahman dacoit who looted Mumbai’s treasury,” while asserting that the MahaYuti government is strong enough to counter such forces.
Using poetic jibes, Shinde said the MahaYuti would defeat those who plundered Mumbai, adding that all government schemes are “game changers” and that MahaYuti will emerge victorious in the upcoming municipal elections.
Responding to criticism over the legality of his position, Shinde said he was called “unconstitutional” both as Chief Minister earlier and now as Deputy CM, but his work has continued uninterrupted. He remarked that some people cannot digest the fact that a person from an ordinary household rose to become CM and Deputy CM.
Shinde announced several major infrastructure projects for Mumbai, including approval for the Versova–Bhayandar Coastal Road, a pod taxi project, a proposed underground tunnel from BKC to Navi Mumbai International Airport, and road development from Virar to Vadhvan. He assured that black water would no longer flow into the sea and that both environmental and political pollution in Mumbai would be eliminated.
He further stated that efforts are underway to bring back Mumbaikars who had moved out of the city and reiterated that Mumbai can never be separated from Maharashtra. Information about slum dwellers is also being digitised, he said.
To mark Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth centenary on January 23, Shinde announced special schemes for Mumbaikars. He noted that Balasaheb’s oil portrait has been installed in the Central Hall of the legislature and that a 300-acre Central Park project was initiated during his tenure as Chief Minister. He also mentioned that funds were allocated for gardens in cities across the state on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
On the agrarian front, Shinde said the state government provided rupees 15,000 crore in assistance to farmers affected by excessive rainfall by relaxing norms. Reiterating his commitment to farm loan waivers, he said the promise would be fulfilled and dismissed opposition leaders for merely visiting farms for photo-ops.
Addressing welfare schemes, Shinde said the Ladki Bahin Yojana continues despite opposition claims and court challenges. He asserted that no one could stop the scheme and confirmed that eligible women would receive rupees 2,100 as promised.
Eknath Shinde attacks Uddhav Thackeray, highlights Mumbai Development and Welfare Schemes
