Amid political uncertainty in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has shared important details about his decisions. Speaking exclusively to News 24, Shinde explained why he stepped down as Chief Minister and accepted the role of Deputy Chief Minister. He said the decision was not made under pressure and was not driven by a desire for power. According to Shinde, he took this step to protect the unity and dignity of the coalition government and to ensure the state’s development.
Shinde said serving the people matters more to him than holding a high post. He added that his main aim is to carry forward the ideas of Balasaheb Thackeray. He also said the Mahayuti government’s key priority is to help Marathi people who have been forced to leave Mumbai to return and settle again. For this purpose, work has already started on projects such as cluster redevelopment and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes.
Focus on Marathi people and Mumbai’s development
Shinde said the main aim of the Mahayuti government is to help Marathi people who have been forced to leave Mumbai return to the city. To achieve this, the government has started work on major projects such as cluster development and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes.
Response to Thackeray faction’s claims
Shinde strongly rejected the allegations made by the Thackeray faction, calling them harmful to Mumbai. He questioned why Marathi people were forced to move out of the city when the same leaders were in power in Mumbai for 25 years. Referring to areas such as Vasai, Virar and Badlapur, he said this migration happened because of the failures of previous governments.
He firmly stated that Mumbai will always remain a part of Maharashtra. According to Shinde, the opposition is now desperate and is trying to create fear by raising old issues.
Promises on roads, traffic and pollution
Addressing concerns about poor roads, heavy traffic and pollution in Mumbai, Shinde said the government is taking strong action. He promised that Mumbai would be completely free of potholes within the next one and a half years. A budget of Rs 17,000 crore has been set aside to control pollution, and a deep cleaning drive has begun across the city.
Shinde said major projects such as the coastal road, Atal Setu and new elevated roads will greatly reduce traffic. He claimed that in the future, people will be able to travel across Mumbai in just one hour.
Denies money allegations
Shinde fully rejected claims by Raj Thackeray that Rs 50 crore was given to MLAs. He said the MLAs who supported him did so to protect Shiv Sena and Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology, not for money. He pointed out that he himself gave up a powerful ministerial post to follow this path.
Criticising what he called ‘armchair politics’, Shinde said a government must work on the ground. He expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will win public support again and that Mumbai’s next mayor will also come from the Mahayuti.
