Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Launches Shiv Sena Campaign Promising Affordable Housing
Mumbai, 5th November 2024: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the Shiv Sena’s campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections on Sunday, making several pledges, including affordable housing for the poor, an increase in the monthly instalment of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, and a goal to make Mumbai free of slums. The event coincided with the festival of Bhaidooj.
Speaking at two rallies in Kurla and Andheri for Mahayuti candidates Mangesh Kudalkar (Kurla), Manisha Waikar (Jogeshwari East), and Muraji Patel (Andheri East), Shinde highlighted the government’s welfare schemes and projects. The Mahayuti coalition includes the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Shinde, and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar.
While campaigning for Kudalkar, Shinde stated, “If we have accomplished so much in just two-and-a-half years, imagine what we can achieve in five years.” He also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making insincere promises to secure votes in the elections held in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka, suggesting that he “cheated the public” once in power.
Shinde showcased various welfare initiatives made possible through cooperation between central and state governments, including the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which disbursed its November instalment early, addressing criticism from the Opposition. He committed to advancing the December funds following the elections and expressed his plan to increase the current allocation of ₹1,500 to provide more support to women in Maharashtra.
“If launching initiatives like the Ladki Bahin Yojana is a crime, I’m ready to commit a thousand such crimes. Sisters from all backgrounds have benefited from this scheme. We aim to make our sisters financially independent,” Shinde affirmed, ensuring that the program would continue without interruption.
The Chief Minister also reported on other welfare programs, such as the increased insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, targeted youth employment support through the Ladka Bhau Yojana, and expanded access to free higher education for girls across the state.
Shinde hailed Kudalkar as a devoted advocate for Kurla and urged voters in Kurla and Andheri East to support Mahayuti candidates, stating, “Defeating Mangesh Kudalkar and Murji Patel isn’t just difficult; it’s impossible.”
In a subtle jab at Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, he remarked, “We will provide affordable homes for the poor. Don’t the poor deserve a house in Mumbai? Can’t the son of a poor farmer become Chief Minister? Or is it only those born with privilege who can?” He encouraged the audience to “teach a lesson to those who dismiss your benefits as ‘revdis’ (freebies)” and criticized the Opposition for opposing the Ladki Bahin Yojana, even resorting to legal action against it. “Be wary of these deceitful individuals,” he warned.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde outlined his vision for Maharashtra, declaring, “The Centre aims to transform Maharashtra into a growth powerhouse and establish Mumbai as the country’s fintech capital.” He also mentioned that the Mahayuti would release its manifesto in the next two to three days and assured attendees that every promise would be kept.
