Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said that the government is fully committed to providing compensation to the flood-affected farmers of the state and will not let their Diwali fade away.
On speculation of an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and his cousin Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming local body elections in the state, Shinde on Saturday said that people will reject those who do not stick to their principles. He said, “Some leaders were saying that if two Thackerays come together then wonders will happen. But the people of Thane will show them who is the boss. People will reject those who do not stick to their principles.
Addressing a program of his party in Thane late on Saturday night, Shinde said, “Diwali has started and we are celebrating it happily. But amid all this happiness, there is sadness and farmers are crying due to the floods in Marathwada.” Highlighting his party’s immediate response to the Marathwada floods, he said special instructions have been given to Shiv Sena workers to give priority to disaster relief.
He said, “Our workers went to the affected areas and we asked them not to come to the Dussehra rally (in Mumbai) and stay there and help the farmers. We sent aid kits to the affected people and helped them. I am proud that our workers stood with the farmers in their time of need.
Shinde said that the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expedited the financial assistance so that the affected people can celebrate Diwali well.
Without naming anyone, the Deputy Chief Minister hit out at his opponents, especially those who accused him of political opportunism and insulting his guru (late) Anand Dighe.
