'Should be proud that a common man took over as CM: Shinde's remark about Uddhav Thackeray

On Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde used his humble background to take a veiled shot at Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, saying that while some people believe they are born to rule, they should be proud that a common man has assumed the CM's chair.

 

He also claimed that his decision to defy Sena leadership was "historic," and that his Hindutva will ensure "inclusive development."

"I didn't show up with a golden spoon. I am one of you. Some people believe that they were born to rule. They should have been pleased that a commoner had taken the helm. We have the necessary majority to rule. We haven't done anything wrong "Shinde spoke at a rally in Pandharpur, where he celebrated 'Ashadhi Ekadashi' by performing 'mahapooja' at the famous Lord Vitthal temple as part of a chief ministerial tradition.

 

Shinde, who is from Thane, used to work as an autorickshaw driver. He also made a subtle jab at Uddhav Thackeray's supporters, some of whom had criticised Shinde's "ingratitude," claiming that he had betrayed the Shiv Sena despite being given numerous responsibilities by the party.

 

Shinde's rebellion, along with the rebellion of 39 Sena MLAs, resulted in the collapse of the MVA government led by Uddhav Thackeray last month. Shinde was sworn in as Chief Minister on June 30 alongside BJP Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He claimed that his promotion from 'shakha pramukh' in the party to the state's top post (Chief Minister) was made possible by the "blessings of (Thane Sena strongman and mentor) Anand Dighe and (Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray."

 

"All attempts to harm me politically have failed. I don't want to publicly criticise anyone or anything "He went on to say that Bal Thackeray's Hindutva ideology was not based on hatred of other religions. He claimed that MVA allies, referring to the NCP and Congress, had harmed the Shiv Sena by supporting defeated candidates seeking to unseat Sena legislators.

 

"Moreover, we have been unable to speak out against those who have insulted (Hindutva ideologue) Veer Savarkar, as well as ministers who have had links with (fugitive gangster) Dawood Ibrahim (an allegation levelled against NCP's Nawab Malik, who is currently in jail)," he said. "I intend to speak less and work more. We are the Shiv Sainiks of Balasaheb and Anand Dighe. Our Hindutva values inclusive growth. Even though I am the Chief Minister, I will work as a Sevak (servant) and karyakarta (worker) "Shinde stated.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @fpjindia