Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday criticised recent efforts to restrict the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling them “unfortunate” and “condemnable.” Speaking to reporters during Diwali celebrations in Thane, Shinde defended the RSS, describing it as a patriotic organisation committed to public service.
According to the news agency PTI Shinde said, “The RSS is a staunchly nationalist organisation that always steps forward in times of national crisis.”
His remarks come shortly after the Karnataka cabinet proposed rules that could limit RSS events in public places and on roads. In a separate development, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai claimed the RSS was involved in anti-national activities and wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a ban on the organisation.
Shinde, who also heads a faction of the Shiv Sena, said such moves to curb the RSS were politically motivated and disrespected the organisation’s contributions.
As per PTI, on the political front, Shinde expressed confidence that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would win the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra. The coalition includes the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.
“We secured major victories in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. The saffron flag of Mahayuti will also fly high in local body elections,” he said.
Shinde attributed the alliance’s continued popularity to the success of welfare schemes like the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’, which offers monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women. He reassured that the scheme, launched during his tenure as Chief Minister, will continue and won’t be scrapped.
Eknath Shinde slams Opposition over `flip-flop` on local body polls
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday criticised the Opposition for its “dual role”, saying while it initially demanded local body polls be held on priority, it is now seeking their postponement over alleged discrepancies, reported news agency PTI.
The Opposition fears an “imminent defeat” in the upcoming local body polls, he said, adding that the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar`s NCP, will sweep the elections.
Leaders of various Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, NCP (SP) and MNS, recently met the State Election Commissioner and the Chief Electoral Officer, while claiming that there are duplicate names in the electoral rolls across different addresses and assembly segments.
They urged the authorities to “rectify” the electoral rolls and remove “anomalies” before conducting the rural and urban body elections, which are to be completed by January 31, 2026.
Speaking to reporters in Thane on the occasion of Diwali, Shinde hit out at the Opposition`s contradictory stance.
“The Opposition itself was insisting on the elections to be held on priority, and when they are going to be held, the Opposition wants them to be postponed,” he said, reported PTI.
The Shiv Sena leader said the Opposition has been inconsistent in its approach towards the Election Commission (EC).
(With PTI inputs)
