Mumbai, April 30 (IANS) After the filing of nomination papers for the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde on Thursday took a sharp swipe at the Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray and the Congress.

He launched a scathing verbal attack on the Congress and Uddhav Thackeray regarding their political stance.

When asked about State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal’s comment that “an inner voice” led them not to field a candidate, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde replied with sarcasm.

“Can a voice come from people who have lost their souls? I am hearing this for the first time. Where was this ‘inner voice’ in 2019?” the Deputy Chief Minister asked, referring to the political shifts that occurred during the previous government formation in the state.

In a direct jab at Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership style, Eknath Shinde remarked on the Opposition’s strategy.

“When it is time to fight, they always push someone else forward. It’s a case of ‘Tum laddo, hum kapde sambhalte hain’ (You fight, we’ll hold the clothes). While it is their internal matter, it shows their approach,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Earlier, Eknath Shinde announced the party nominations to Neelam Gorhe and Bacchu Kadu.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde emphasised the inclusion of Bachchu Kadu, leader of the Prahar Janshakti Party, as a strategic move for the MahaYuti alliance.

He praised Kadu’s 25 years of social work, saying, “Shiv Sena is always at the forefront for the poor, the exploited, and the disabled. Bachchu Bhau’s decision to join forces will strengthen both the party and his mission.”

The move to nominate Kadu is seen as a significant step toward expanding the Shiv Sena’s footprint in the Vidarbha region.

In the case of Neelam Gorhe, despite internal murmurs regarding her candidacy, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde firmly backed Gorhe, formalising her nomination.

She is currently member of the Upper House and her term ends on May 13. Gorhe has been elected to the State Legislative Council for the fourth successive term as nominee of undivided Shiv Sena. She later shifted her loyalty to Deputy Chief Minister Shinde after the latter staged a rebellion and joined the MahaYuti alliance.

Despite the political rhetoric, Eknath Shinde expressed gratitude toward all parties, including the Congress, for maintaining a harmonious atmosphere.

By not fielding extra candidates, the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP (MahaYuti) alliance has ensured the election to the nine seats remains uncontested.

“Everyone has taken a sensible role. I thank all parties for ensuring this election happens in a friendly environment,” the Deputy Chief Minister remarked.

–IANS

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