New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given India a new identity on the global stage over the last twelve years, driving the country toward becoming an economic superpower. He added that under PM Modi’s leadership, Maharashtra’s development has gained unprecedented momentum.

Shinde expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak on the resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that PM Modi has created history by becoming one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers, establishing a record of 4,398 days in office. He emphasised that the Prime Minister has not only set records but also made India’s presence felt globally.

The country’s economy, he said, has risen from the 11th to the 4th position, with a resolve to take it to the 3rd spot. “Every Indian feels proud that the nation is marching toward becoming an economic superpower,” Shinde remarked.

By introducing the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, PM Modi has presented a 21-year roadmap for the nation, showcasing his long-term foresight. Shinde added that PM Modi has established himself as one of the most popular global leaders, having received the highest civilian honours from 33 countries, a matter of immense pride for every citizen.

Highlighting PM Modi’s contribution to Maharashtra’s development, Shinde stated that, through the “double-engine” government, the Centre has provided massive funding for ambitious projects such as the Coastal Road, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and Vadhavan Port. While Maharashtra received Rs 2 lakh crore during the UPA government’s tenure, the Modi government has allocated Rs 10 lakh crore over the past twelve years.

He noted that the Modi government took the historic step of granting Classical Language status to Marathi, alongside efforts to promote and spread the language nationwide. Under the philosophy of Vikas se Virasat (Development with Heritage), cultural heritage has been preserved alongside infrastructural growth. The infrastructure built under this regime, he said, is double that of the UPA era, and the number of operational airports has also been doubled.

Shinde added that PM Modi’s widespread popularity stems from his work across all sectors, including the implementation of welfare schemes for farmers, women, the underprivileged, and the youth. He said building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and abrogating Article 370 were the dreams of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, thanking PM Modi for fulfilling both.

Referring to Operation Sindhu, Shinde stated that the Modi government gave a fitting reply to Pakistan by granting the Indian Armed Forces full freedom. While previous governments adopted a soft stance, India now possesses the capability to enter enemy territory and strike back.

Shinde criticised the opposition, stating that for PM Modi, it is “Nation First,” whereas for the opposition, it is “Corruption First.” He also lauded PM Modi’s firm stand against tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, prioritising the interests of Indian farmers and the nation.

When questioned about the relationship between Shiv Sena and the NDA, Shinde took a veiled dig at Uddhav Thackeray, stating that those who abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and stance on Hindutva chose a different path.

“We, however, stood firm on Balasaheb’s Hindutva ideology and rejoined the NDA. The bond between Shiv Sena and the NDA is longstanding; it was briefly severed by the self-interest of a few. A government aligned with Balasaheb’s thoughts has been re-established in Maharashtra,” he noted.

Dismissing claims that smaller parties are sidelined in the NDA, Shinde stated that he has never had such an experience. He emphasised that Shiv Sena receives due respect in NDA meetings, and PM Modi treats all constituent parties equally to strengthen the alliance.

Regarding the Legislative Council elections, Shinde expressed satisfaction with securing four seats, noting that two were won unopposed and expressed confidence in winning the remaining seats.

–IANS

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