Shinde in Amravati: Maharashtra would have slipped 15-20 years back had I not dared

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde referred to the Shiv Sena rebellion in Amravati and targeted the Maha Vikas Aghadi. "Had I not dared, Maharashtra would have gone 15-20 years back," he said. He made the remark in a speech while campaigning for the Amravati Teachers' Constituency. In the speech he also named the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction and the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

The state is currently in the midst of the Legislative Council elections. Shinde came to Amravati in this connection, to campaign for Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Sarnaik, who is contesting from the Amravati Teachers' Constituency.

Speaking of the rebellion, Shinde defended his decision. "Had I not dared, Maharashtra would have gone 15-20 years back," he said. He reminded his opponents that after he took a stand separate from the Shiv Sena, the power equation in the state changed and the Maha Vikas Aghadi government fell.

Shinde thanked Preeti Revane, an independent candidate in the Amravati Teachers' Constituency who withdrew her candidature. He said the election was being fought as the Mahayuti, with support for Sarnaik's campaign.

On the teachers' demands, Shinde said the government was committed to resolving the old pension scheme and other issues. "I am a man who keeps his word. Once I give a commitment, I try to fulfil it," he said. He also said a teacher is important in everyone's life, that Kiran Sarnaik would advance teachers' work, and that there would be no shortage of the necessary funds.

On the state's drought situation, Shinde said funds for drought relief would not be allowed to run short. He said farmers would be given Rs 5,000 before Diwali. He assured that eligible farmers would then be given other concessions as well.

The Amravati Teachers' Constituency election is in the news these days. The Mahayuti has given the candidature to Kiran Sarnaik, but Shiv Sena rebel leader Shrikant Deshpande remains in the contest. This has made the area's political equations important.

Teachers' questions, the old pension scheme, help for farmers and the Shiv Sena rebellion were the issues stressed at Shinde's meeting. Political circles are now watching whom voters choose in this election.