Maharashtra: CM Eknath Shinde still in powershift mode, Ajit Pawar says time to move on

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis with the state Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe and others during the Winter Session, in Nagpur on Friday. Pic/PTI

As Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's final act in the winter session - his reply to the Opposition's last week resolution - turned out to be a recall of the powershift story that completed six months on Friday, the Opposition leader in the Assembly Ajit Pawar advised him to be large-hearted in ignoring the criticism and act like a head of the state that is populated by 13 crore people.

In his long speech on the last day of the winter session in Nagpur, Shinde consumed more time to respond to criticism that came from his former boss Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya and party colleagues. He cautioned his critics to not test his patience, because, "Main khamosh hun fir bhi sab janata hun, baat nikalegi to fir dur talak jayegi (I may be mum but I know everything; when I begin to dig out it will go even deeper)".

He said there is a limit to tolerance. "Who are you accusing of so many things? I know about everything. I am not the kind who stays inside my home and lets others fight," he said, adding that some people didn't accept their mistakes.

"How can 50 people make a mistake?" he asked, apparently referring to the Shiv Sena and independents who left Uddhav Thackeray to be part of the new government. He said it was time people knew who really inherited the political legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray.

Also Read: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says his govt will last full term, targets Uddhav Thackeray on last day of winter session

Shinde blamed the lack of investment, scams and slow development of the state on the previous government.

He dismissed allegations of police atrocities against political opponents. "There was a time when journalists, opposition leaders and whoever spoke against the
MVA government were arrested. Now, some people have been saying so many things against us. Have we arrested them," he asked.

He warned his detractors to think twice before levelling allegations. "Think, remember and recall," he added.

Time to move on: Pawar

Ajit Pawar said everyone knew what had happened six months ago. "I have heard so many CMs in the house, but they never were so political. They addressed the issues of public interest. But you have missed all the points we have raised," he said.

In a jab at his opponent, Pawar advised Shinde to act and speak like the CM of 13 crore people of Maharashtra. "Ignore criticism. Be large-hearted. The previous CMs did the same. You take on a person of your son's age. Why can't you tell your spokespersons to respond (to criticism)? People don't like this, because this state is different. People here balance power equations."

Pawar said Shinde should use his good rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the development of the state.

The budget session will begin from February 27 in Mumbai.