From the stage of Aaj Tak's Mumbai Manthan, Maharashtra's Deputy CM, Eknath Shinde, expressed that when the opposition achieved more seats in the Lok Sabha elections, they never mentioned any malpractice. However, after losing the assembly elections, they started lamenting over irregularities. Addressing questions regarding candidates, he emphasized that the grand alliance had an abundance of candidates to choose from. According to him, the opposition lacks substantial issues, resorting primarily to accusation politics.
In response to queries about BJP's collaboration with Congress in Ambarnath to exclude Shiv Sena Shinde, Shinde clarified that their party faithfully adheres to Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology. He reiterated their collaborative efforts with BJP in various places while acknowledging instances of friendly contests at the local level. Shinde maintained that his focus remains on local issues without engaging in derogatory remarks against the opposition, a practice he insists on refraining from.
Addressing the Ambarnath alliance questions, Shinde shared that they consulted BJP's state president and CM Devendra Fadnavis. They remarked on the situation there, describing it as beyond ideology. Shinde assured that he doesn't contest for power as the grand alliance holds the rein. The Deputy CM affirmed their commitment to Maharashtra's progress, pledging to transform Mumbai into a pothole-free city.
When questioned about the Thackeray brothers, Shinde skillfully avoided taking names, instead enumerating diverse personalities, underscoring his dedication and hard work. He reiterated a previous claim of venturing into farming, should they secure fewer than 200 seats. True to his reputation, Shinde commits to actions fully, however, meticulously declining to provide explanations or reasons.
Regarding Owaisi, Shinde reaffirmed their steadfast alignment with Balasaheb Thackeray's principles without any compromises. On varied alliances in different locales, he explained that local calculations determine whether they contest together or separately. Shinde stressed their commitment to win power not by any possible means but by upholding their values.
He insisted that gaining or losing power won't deter them from Thackeray's ideology, revealing that they are contesting together in 13-14 seats. In response to speculation about BJP contesting separately in the upcoming assembly elections, he remarked about the smaller scale of current elections, indicating the greater significance of the 2029 elections. Addressing rumors of a cold war with Fadnavis, Shinde dismissed it as media speculation, affirming their longstanding friendship since Fadnavis's MLA days, noting their previous co-governance.
Highlighting the harmonious association during the 2022 operations, Shinde recalled times of mutual recognition of governance capabilities. He emphasized their shared agenda of advancing the state, attributing the nation's economic shift from the 11th to the 4th position to PM Modi’s efforts. Acknowledging Mumbai's immense trillion-dollar potential, he referenced a NITI Aayog report.
Tackling questions on addressing Mumbai's diverse issues like traffic and waterlogging, Deputy CM Shinde sought patience. He promised enhanced roads for smoother traffic flow, extending the Bandra-Versova sea link to Virar, and constructing an elevated road from Chedda Nagar to Saket through Fountain Cut Chowk. Initiatives include building an underground tunnel from BKC to Kurla and working on a pod taxi system alongside a Borivali tunnel. Regarding project timelines, he emphasized their priority on relentless action, inviting patience for the outcomes.
