Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state is based on an ideology and it will continue, reported news agency PTI.
He said the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance is based on the ideals of late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani and Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, reported PTI.
“Our alliance is based on an ideology for a long time and it will continue,” Shinde said.
He was responding to remarks made by Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan.
On Thursday, Chavan said, “I want to save the alliance till December 2. I will respond to the allegations later,” reported PTI.
There has been significant unease between the Shiv Sena and the BJP ahead of the Maharashtra local body polls that are scheduled to begin on December 2.
Ladki Bahin scheme most important and successful welfare initiative: Shinde
Meanwhil, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday slammed the Opposition for terming the Ladki Bahin scheme an election “jumla” and hailed the initiative as the most important and successful welfare measure, which was launched when he helmed the state, reported PTI.
The “Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana”, which provides a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women from economically weaker sections, is believed to have contributed immensely in shaping the 2024 poll mandate for the Mahayuti combine.
“Among all welfare schemes, my favourite is `Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana`. It is the most popular scheme. I decided to launch this scheme because I came from a humble background and understood the struggles of the common man”, the Shiv Sena leader said while addressing a rally for local body elections in Yavatmal district, reported PTI.
Shinde said he had seen how his mother and wife struggled to run the family.
“After becoming chief minister, my government decided to provide financial assistance to our mothers and sisters”, he added, reported PTI.
Shinde said the Opposition termed the scheme a poll “jumla” (gimmick), but he ensured that money reached the accounts of women directly.
He reiterated that the government will never discontinue the scheme.
(With inputs from PTI)
