Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has lauded the Central government as “the people’s government,” attributing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity to this resonant connection.
Furthermore, Shinde emphasized the need for introspection within the UBT Shiv Sena faction. He asserted, “They need to engage in self-reflection.”
In a notable political development, leaders Babanrao Gholap and Sanjay Pawar, along with other members, shifted allegiance to the Shiv Sena in the presence of Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde.
Expressing his reasons for joining Shiv Sena, Gholap highlighted the perceived injustice faced within the UBT Shiv Sena faction. “UBT Shiv Sena has treated me unfairly; they relieved me of my party position without offering any explanation. Upon seeking clarification, I was dismissed. In response, I decided to align with Shiv Sena. Eknath Shinde has responded positively, and I am committed to fulfilling any role assigned to me with integrity,” he asserted.
In another development, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that CM Eknath Shinde’s son and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will contest from Kalyan in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Fadnavis dismissed speculations of discord within the Mahayuti alliance, affirming Shrikant Shinde as the Mahayuti’s candidate from Kalyan.
The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are scheduled in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20, with vote counting set for June 4. With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra holds significant electoral sway, contributing substantially to the national political landscape.
In the 2019 elections, BJP emerged as the largest party with 23 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (undivided) with 18 seats, solidifying Maharashtra’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s political trajectory.
