Mumbai: On the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a fiery attack on Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav ठाकरे, asserting that lineage alone does not make someone a political heir. Addressing party workers at a massive rally at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon, Shinde declared that the ordinary grassroot party workers are the true heirs to the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. He emphasized that the Shiv Sena is not a piece of land to be inherited but a movement of struggle and ideas.
The rally served as a major show of strength amid the ongoing political war for the party legacy. Taking a dig at the opposition faction, Shinde stated that those who gave up their principles, Hindutva, and the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray just for the sake of the Chief Minister’s chair have been rejected by the people. He noted that even during his lifetime, Balasaheb faced hardships, but the people of Maharashtra will never accept those who compromised his core beliefs for political power.
Highlighting the absolute stability of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Shinde dismissed all rumors of internal rifts. He pointed out that certain elements have been trying to drive a wedge between him and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but their attempts will fail as the duo functions seamlessly as a team. The Chief Minister contrasted his administration with the previous government, remarking that while the past regime always had its foot on the brake, the Mahayuti alliance keeps its foot firmly on the accelerator, pushing development at the speed of a bullet train.
The speech also focused heavily on the public welfare measures initiated by the state government, particularly the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Sharing personal reflections, Shinde stated that having witnessed poverty and the financial struggles of his own mother and wife firsthand, he understood the value of supporting women. He gave a firm assurance to the public that the welfare scheme would never be stopped by any future government, calling it a personal promise to his beloved sisters.
The event concluded with Shinde reiterating his commitment to the principles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He maintained that the ultimate goal of his faction is to serve the poor and the marginalized, which remains the true definition of Hindutva and Marathi identity.