Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde remarked that the public has dismissed divisive politics in the Haryana elections and expressed optimism for a similar outcome in Maharashtra.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 8 : 

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Tuesday criticized Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of promoting "division through caste-based politics."

During a press conference in Jalna, Maharashtra, Shinde stated, "Rahul Gandhi has tried to polarize voters using caste-based hatred in every region he visited. However, the people of Haryana have made a clear choice, rejecting this divisive politics and embracing progress. The public recognizes the benefits of a double-engine government, both at the state and central levels, and I am confident that this sentiment will be mirrored in the upcoming Maharashtra elections."

He described the trends in the Haryana assembly elections as a "clear rejection" of Congress policies, further accusing the party of building "false narratives" to mislead voters.

Reflecting on the election trends in Haryana, Shinde expressed optimism that similar results could be achieved in Maharashtra's upcoming Assembly elections.

"The voters in Haryana have dismissed these divisive tactics and instead favored the stability and progress offered by a double-engine government. I believe this could be replicated in Maharashtra," he said.

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections will take place in 288 constituencies, with the dates yet to be announced by the Election Commission of India. The term of the current assembly concludes on November 26.

Shinde also commended the Eknath Shinde-led government, highlighting various government initiatives such as the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lek Ladki scheme, Youth Work Training Scheme, free electricity for farmers, and the Solar Agriculture Pump Scheme.

He pointed to the completion of key infrastructure projects like the Samruddhi Highway, Atal Setu, and the Coastal Road as significant achievements.

"Maharashtra leads the nation in FDI, startups, and infrastructure development, attracting 52% of the country’s total FDI," Shinde said.

He also mentioned the aid extended to farmers, referencing the recent Rs 1,400 crore relief package.

"With the recent Rs 1,400 crore assistance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for farmers, the Mahayuti government has provided Rs 12,500 crore in aid so far, going beyond NDRF criteria and ensuring that every request from the state has been fully backed by the central government," he added.

Shinde further asserted that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remains focused on delivering positive results for the people, stating, "The public is satisfied with the work done by Mahayuti over the last two years, and despite opposition criticism, the Chief Minister is determined to continue delivering results. I am confident that Mahayuti will secure a decisive majority in the upcoming elections."

Later, while addressing Shiv Sena workers and local leaders in Jalna, Shinde, accompanied by Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam and former MLA Arjun Khotkar, interacted with hundreds of beneficiaries of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, as well as local doctors and lawyers.