Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has dismissed the recent political reconciliation between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray, claiming their reunion is solely aimed at keeping power within the 'Thackeray family' and has no benefit for the state.
Shinde brushed aside the challenge posed by the two brothers uniting for the upcoming municipal elections.
"Those coming together are not doing it for Maharashtra; they are doing it for family politics," Shinde asserted. "People saw what happened in the BMC for 25 years. They experienced Covid and corruption under the previous leadership. We focus on real work, development, and solving citizens’ problems."
The Shiv Sena (which Shrikant Shinde represents) governed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for 25 consecutive years, from 1997 to 2022, before the party split. Shinde challenged his opponents, stating his party is ready to debate anyone who claims that "25 years of BMC were corruption-free."
He further pledged that Mumbai's roads would be 100 per cent concrete and pothole-free within the next few years.
Responding to corruption allegations levelled by the Thackeray family and Congress leaders, Shinde questioned the previous leadership’s record. "The party that ruled for 25 years did not solve these issues. Every year, tar roads were laid that washed away. Where is the accountability for corruption during COVID?" he asked.
Shrikant Shinde emphasised that the party's grassroots strength and the public's recognition of their hard work would be reflected in the municipal elections. He cited the recent Vidhan Sabha results as proof, where, contrary to predictions, the party secured a clear majority, winning 60 out of 80 seats.
"People know who works, and Shinde sir worked 24/7, which is why the party won 75 per cent," he said.
On the matter of dynasty politics, Shinde clarified that the party's mission superseded individual ambition. "The party gave me the opportunity when I was in college. People voted for us, and my responsibility has been to sustain their trust. Shiv Sena is about service, not individual ambition," he stated, concluding that he and Deputy Chief Minister Shinde are focused on citizens' needs, rather than personal power or "brand politics."
Also read: Shiv Sena (UBT) to boycott JPC on 130th Amendment Bill
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