Mahayuti wins two of five Legislative Council seats; Shinde says Sena honoured alliance dharma

Elections were held in the state for five Legislative Council seats, three from graduate constituencies and two from teacher constituencies. The results were a major setback for the Mahayuti, which won only two of the five seats. Maha Vikas Aghadi candidates won the remaining three.

After the results, allegations have begun to be made against the Shinde-led Shiv Sena by the BJP. The BJP is saying the result would have been better had the Shiv Sena helped. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has now given his first response.

Shinde said the Shiv Sena has always honoured alliance dharma. He said the BJP and the Shiv Sena had an alliance in four places in this election. In the Pune constituency, there was even a friendly contest between a Shiv Sena-backed candidate and the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate. According to Shinde, the Shiv Sena has always honoured alliance dharma, and its role has been to ensure that alliance dharma is honoured.

On the occasion, Shinde also spoke on drought and various issues concerning farmers. He said that whether it is the responsibility for the weddings of farmers' daughters or other farmers' issues, the government stands with farmers with full strength.

Shinde said the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister have announced assistance and a provision of Rs 7,500 crore has also been made. According to him, farmers will receive firm assistance.

Responding to opponents who ask what Rs 5,000 will achieve, Shinde said this is not the assistance but immediate relief. He said all the benefits and concessions available in a drought will be extended, including school fee and other concessions. Shinde also said the government stands firmly with farmers and the Shiv Sena is with them with full strength.

Shinde also said that Diwali ration will reach the homes of 24,000 people in Dharashiv.