Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday took aim at Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that the actual “vote theft” and “dacoity” of people’s mandate took place after the 2019 state assembly polls, when the undivided Shiv Sena joined hands with NCP and Congress to form a government.
Shinde also questioned the Opposition’s stand on electoral rolls, and said the INDIA bloc was a ten-headed demon king Ravana, whose effigy needed to be burnt.
Addressing his party’s Dussehra rally in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena chief said the government and his party would stand by cultivators facing losses due to water scarcity.
Shinde accused the Congress of looting the country for 70 years, and alleged that it was now demanding ballot papers after previously winning elections through booth capturing.
He alleged that the Opposition had earlier raised concerns over an increase in the number of voters and was now questioning the deletion of names.
“This is double standards and a daily show of new drama. The INDIA bloc is a ten-mouthed Ravana, and we need to burn its effigy,” he said, claiming that the Opposition wanted to undermine the Constitution drafted by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Without naming Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde alleged that the actual “vote theft” had taken place after the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, when the undivided Shiv Sena joined hands with NCP-Congress to form a government.
“You did not even contest the election. You made a backdoor entry and became chief minister. You stabbed the mandate and grabbed the post. It was a huge dacoity against the people’s mandate,” he said.
“When you lose, you call it vote chori and start alleging foul play. The INDIA bloc won elections in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Why was there no vote chori then?” he asked.
Referring to opposition leaders’ remarks about regime changes in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Shinde accused them of encouraging anarchy in India.
“This is Hindustan, a new India. This is an India that enters Pakistan,” he said, adding that people would teach a lesson to the anti-national people.
Questioning the Opposition’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde said the PM had made India the world’s fourth-largest economy and had received the highest civilian awards of 36 countries, adding that there was no corruption case against Modi.
“Why use such foul and low language against our PM?” he asked, adding that opposition leaders had failed to understand the changes within their own parties despite speaking about regime change in the country.
Shinde said Pakistan, which had earlier laid claim to Kashmir, was now seeking assistance from countries around the world, attributing the situation to Modi’s policies.
Referring to Captain Smit Machchhar, Shinde said he saved a plane during an attack and had acknowledged drawing inspiration from Modi.
PM Modi, the US President and the Israeli PM congratulated the pilot, but some opposition leaders did not, he claimed.
“Whatever they say here becomes a headline in Pakistan. This is a huge conspiracy…Why do you speak in favour of Pakistan? This is unfortunate. This is sedition and not any kind of love for India,” he alleged, questioning the Opposition’s criticism of the PM and its statements concerning Pakistan.
He alleged that the opposition parties were holding rallies in Mumbai and promoting a “fake narrative” of vote chori when farmers were losing their crops.
He criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for organising a rally against the Supreme Court, alleging that it amounted to an insult to the judiciary and an attack on a constitutional institution.
“On the one hand, they hold the Constitution in their hands, and on the other, their actions amount to an attack on it. They are moving towards dividing the country,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the opposition’s demand for the election of the Chief Election Commissioner, Shinde sarcastically asked whether it would also seek elections for the Chief Justice of India and municipal corporation chiefs.
He said he works on the ground rather than delivering speeches, and added that he has sent 100 tonnes of foodgrains to drought-affected farmers to help them celebrate Diwali.
He said farmers are facing difficulties as Maharashtra is under the shadow of drought, with standing crops drying up and affecting yields.
“Today, I have dispatched the first tranche of 100 tonnes of foodgrains to farmers as an advance Diwali gift. There will be more such rounds of assistance given to farmers,” he said.
Land was washed away due to excess rainfall last year, and cattle and crop losses were very serious, he said, adding that the Shiv Sena stood firmly behind the affected farmers.
“Unfortunately, this year, the monsoon turned its back on farmers. We reached out to distressed farmers who are shedding tears and offered them consolation. This is not the time to politicise the farmers’ plight but to extend support to them,” Shinde said.
More consignments of foodgrains would be sent, he added.
Describing himself as a farmer’s son, Shinde said he understood the difficulties faced by cultivators and their families.
Without naming anyone, Shinde said some people abused him daily and that he had been challenged to speak about farmers’ issues.
“Let me make it very clear that I don’t only give ‘bhashan’ (speeches), but also give ration to farmers,” he said, adding that some people only delivered speeches. PTI ND NSK NP
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