Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will return to power, stating, "We are a common man's government."

Guwahati (Assam), October 23: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the Kamakhya temple on Wednesday to offer prayers ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Shinde mentioned that visiting the temple is a regular practice for him, as he had done so before the previous election and after forming the government in 2022.

"I came to the Kamakhya temple before the last election and after being elected. The blessings of Maa Kamakhya are enough. Now that I have completed my darshan, I feel very happy and content," he said.

Shinde also expressed his confidence in the Mahayuti alliance retaining power in Maharashtra.

Confident of electoral success, he stated, "I am more than a hundred per cent sure because people will recognize the work the Mahayuti government has done over the past two years, in comparison to the two and a half years of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. The pace of development is evident."

Describing the Mahayuti alliance as a 'common man's government,' Shinde emphasized the developmental efforts undertaken by the government.

"Our government is for the common people, and that's why there should be positive changes in their lives. We have worked on improving people's lives," he added.

Shinde also addressed the issue of Maratha reservation, saying, "In our state, whether Maratha or OBC, we aim for no discrimination between communities."

The Chief Minister will contest from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi Assembly constituency.

Other Shiv Sena candidates include Manisha Ravindra Waykar from Jogeshwari (East), Suhas Dwarkanath Kande from Nandgaon, Pradip Shivnarayan Jaiswal from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (middle), and Balaji Devidasrao Kalyankar from Nanded North.

During a recent meeting on October 18, the party affirmed Shinde as their chief ministerial candidate.

Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23.

The main electoral battle is between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. Both alliances are intensifying their preparations as the election approaches.

Earlier, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP released its first list of candidates, with Ajit Pawar contesting from Baramati.

In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats.