15 October,2023 07:20 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
CM Shinde with son, MP Shrikant Shinde/ X
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in attendance at the Navratri chariot procession in Thane, expressed confidence that the discerning people of Maharashtra would grant a resounding mandate to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as he shared his thoughts on Sunday.
After leading the chariot procession dedicated to goddess Durga on the first day of Navratri, CM Shinde asserted that the opposition's criticism of Modi is merely an attempt to remain in the public eye and attract attention, stated a report in PTI.
CM Shinde took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a few snapshots from the procession, "First, Ambe Mata was worshipped and then a grand procession was taken out. Various forms of Marathi folk art, culture and traditions were experienced in this procession. Also on this occasion, all the children participated in this procession with great devotion and joy. This procession was taken out while interacting with the citizens gathered and increasing the enthusiasm of the children."
According to the report. in a veiled criticism directed at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, CM Shinde pointed out that those who proclaim allegiance to Hindutva principles have, on occasion, formed alliances with parties such as the Congress, a party that Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray sought to diminish permanently.
CM Shinde expressed his belief that, in the forthcoming elections, the public would expose the insincerity of those who claim to uphold Hindutva while engaging in such political partnerships.
He emphasized that one cannot secure electoral victories by staying home, underlining the need for active engagement with citizens, problem-solving, and dedicated field work. CM Shinde made a subtle critique of those who, having betrayed the trust of their constituents by collaborating with the Congress, lay claim to being protectors of Hindutva.
"No one can win elections by remaining at home. One needs to do field work, be with citizens and solve their problems. Those who betrayed citizens and joined hands with the Congress have no right to claim they protect Hindutva," he said taking a swipe at Thackeray.
