Shinde meets Modi in Delhi, says Chivte will contest Pune teachers' seat
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde discussed Maharashtra's drought with the Prime Minister and announced Mangesh Chivte's candidature for the Legislative Council seat.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today. The two leaders held talks for about an hour. After the meeting, Shinde briefed the media on the discussion.
Shinde said he spoke to Modi about the drought situation in Maharashtra. He said the Prime Minister asked about the state of water, fodder and the affected areas. The talks covered several issues, including the availability of water and fodder and where and how much damage has occurred, he said.
"Farmers' Diwali will not be a dark one. The government stands with the farmers," Shinde said. He said Modi assured Maharashtra of all possible help. Shinde also said several ministers had gone to farmers' fields and reassured them.
After the meeting, Shinde made an announcement about the Legislative Council election. He said Mangesh Chivte will contest from the Pune teachers' constituency. He added that Chivte has collected the AB form.
The announcement is seen as significant because the BJP and the Shiv Sena are both staking claims to the constituency. The BJP has fielded Kaustubh Gawde for the seat, while Shiv Sena's Mangesh Chivte remains firm on contesting.
Shinde said the process of filing nominations for the Legislative Council election is under way and there is still time for withdrawals. He said discussions would therefore be held within the Mahayuti during this period and a decision taken afterwards. Even so, Shinde maintained that Chivte will contest the Pune seat and has been given the AB form.
Shinde praised Modi's leadership, saying the Prime Minister works for the country without taking a single day off. He said "the nation's interest first" is Modi's agenda.
Shinde also responded to the opposition's criticism of Modi. Saying "it is easy to make allegations", he criticised the Thackeray faction and said there should be respect for the Prime Minister.
Two issues emerged from the meeting: the drought situation in Maharashtra and the candidature for the Pune teachers' constituency. With the meeting held against the backdrop of the drought and the Legislative Council election, attention is on what developments follow in Maharashtra politics over the next few days.
