Several leaders and workers from various political parties were inducted into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena during a Diwali event in Thane on Sunday, news agency PTI reported.
Sarpanches, corporators, councillors, office-bearers, and political activists, primarily from Ahilyanagar, Nashik, and Mumbai, were welcomed into the ruling party fold by Shinde, who is also the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.
“I welcome all of you into the Shiv Sena family. Together, we will work towards strengthening Maharashtra and taking our vision to every household,” he stated during the event.
The programme is being seen as a strategic move by the Shiv Sena ahead of the local body polls, aimed at consolidating grassroots influence in regions where the party faces a tough contest from the rival Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction.
Govt committed to help flood-hit farmers, won`t let their Diwali be dark, assures Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday reiterated the government’s commitment to compensating flood-affected farmers in Maharashtra.
“Diwali has begun, and we`re celebrating it with joy. But amidst the celebrations, there`s sadness in Marathwada due to the floods, and farmers are crying,” he said.
On speculation about a possible alliance between the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Raj Thackeray`s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming local body polls, Shinde remarked that Thane’s voters will show the two parties who the “boss” is.
“Some leaders were saying that if two Thackerays come together, there`ll be fireworks. But Thane`s people will show them who`s the boss. Those who don`t stand by their principles will be rejected by the people,” said Shinde.
He added, “Those who sold the Shiv Sena will get `tikli` from the people, but we`ll finish off our opponents with our unity and strength,” taking aim at the UBT faction.
Highlighting his party`s response to the Marathwada floods, the deputy CM said Shiv Sena workers had been instructed to prioritise disaster relief and support for affected communities.
“Our workers went to the affected areas, and we asked them not to come to the Dussehra rally (in Mumbai), but to stay back and help the farmers. We sent assistance kits to those affected and helped them. I`m proud that our workers stood by the farmers in their time of need,” he stated.
(With PTI inputs)
