Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, during a recent event, took a firm stance on the topic of reservations and voiced his support for preserving the rights granted by the Constitution.
Addressing a gathering in Wardha, Shinde made it clear that no one can revoke the reservations that were implemented by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
Although he did not directly name Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shinde criticized him for allegedly making anti-reservation comments and remarked that certain individuals were tarnishing the nation’s reputation while abroad.
Shinde emphasized that as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in office, there will be no alterations to the reservation policies. He reiterated his belief that Ambedkar’s provisions for reservations are essential to ensure equality and progress for marginalized communities.
In his speech, the Chief Minister also addressed other pressing issues, including the restoration of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized those advocating for the reinstatement of this constitutional provision, stating that their stance aligned with the agendas of terrorists.
According to Shinde, the abrogation of Article 370 has brought significant development to Jammu and Kashmir, and the revival of this clause would halt the progress that has been made in the region.
Shinde took the opportunity to highlight the initiatives of the Modi government aimed at enhancing the country's growth and empowering the common citizen. He specifically mentioned the "One Nation, One Election" scheme, which is designed to streamline election processes and increase governmental efficiency. Praising Modi's leadership, Shinde emphasized that India is well on its way to becoming a global superpower under his guidance.
At the same event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke, commemorating the completion of one year of the PM Vishwakarma initiative, which focuses on empowering traditional artisans and craftsmen in India.
Modi expressed his commitment to advancing India’s position in the global economy and reiterated his vision of making the 21st century the “century of India.”
As part of the celebrations marking one year of progress under the PM Vishwakarma initiative, several important projects were launched. One of the key initiatives introduced was the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme, a program aimed at providing financial assistance to women-led startups in Maharashtra.
Under this scheme, early-stage startups led by women will receive up to Rs 25 lakh in financial support. Notably, 25% of the total funds allocated under this scheme will be reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections, as per government guidelines.
Additionally, Chief Minister Shinde announced the launch of the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Program, which will be implemented across 1,000 colleges in Maharashtra.
This initiative is expected to provide skill development training to youth between the ages of 15 and 45, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise required to enter the workforce. Each year, the program will train approximately 1.5 lakh young individuals, contributing to the government’s vision of self-reliance and employment opportunities for all.
In another major development, the foundation stone for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park was laid in Amravati, Maharashtra.
Spanning over 1,000 acres, this park is being developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and is part of a broader government initiative to establish textile parks across the country.
PM MITRA Parks are expected to transform India into a global hub for textile manufacturing and exports, aligning with the government’s vision of strengthening the textile industry and creating employment opportunities in the sector.
Shinde expressed confidence that the projects launched under the leadership of PM Modi would drive the state and the country toward significant growth. He highlighted the PM MITRA Textile Park as a critical component in providing over two lakh jobs in the region and promoting Maharashtra as a key player in the global textile market.
As the country continues to move toward its goal of becoming a superpower, Shinde stressed that the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is essential in achieving this vision.
He affirmed that the aspirations of 140 crore Indians would be fulfilled, and India would solidify its position as one of the world’s leading nations under Modi's governance.