Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde Accuses Congress of Caste-Based Politics, Predicts Maharashtra Victory

In a recent press conference held in Jalna, Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde launched a strong attack on the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of promoting division through caste and religion-based politics during the Lok Sabha elections. Dr. Shinde asserted that voters in Haryana have firmly rejected these divisive tactics in favor of stability and progress, a trend he anticipates will extend to the upcoming Maharashtra elections.

“Rahul Gandhi attempted to polarize votes with caste hatred wherever he went,” Dr. Shinde said at a press conference in Jalna. “However, the people of Haryana have responded decisively, rejecting this politics of division in favor of progress.” He emphasized that the success of the BJP in Haryana serves as a “clear rebuke” to Congress and other opposition parties engaging in caste politics.

Dr. Shinde dismissed Congress’ claims regarding constitutional changes as a “fake narrative” aimed at misleading voters. While Congress managed to secure some seats, he highlighted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed its third consecutive government at the center, driven by trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Expressing confidence that the momentum from Haryana will benefit Maharashtra, Dr. Shinde noted, “The people are seeing the positive impact of a double-engine government—both at the state and national levels—and I am certain that this will reflect in the upcoming Maharashtra elections.” He praised the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, for their significant initiatives such as the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lake Ladki, and various schemes aimed at supporting farmers.

Dr. Shinde also highlighted the completion of major infrastructure projects, including the Samriddhi Highway, Atal Setu, and Coastal Road, stating, “Today, Maharashtra is leading the nation in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), startups, and infrastructure development, with 52% of the country’s total FDI coming into our state.” He commended the central government for its support, citing Rs. 1,400 crore in recent aid for farmers from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Reflecting on the Mahayuti government’s performance, Dr. Shinde remarked that the administration has provided Rs. 12,500 crore in aid to farmers, exceeding the National Disaster Relief Fund criteria. “People are satisfied with the Mahayuti’s work over the last two years, and the Chief Minister is focused on delivering positive results for the people despite opposition criticism. I am confident that the Mahayuti will win the upcoming elections with a decisive majority,” he declared.

During his address, Dr. Shinde was accompanied by Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam and former MLA Arjun Khotkar. He engaged with numerous beneficiaries of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, along with local doctors and lawyers, reaffirming that “this government gives, not one that takes.”

The statements made by Dr. Shinde underline a significant strategy by the Shiv Sena to consolidate its base in Maharashtra while distancing itself from Congress’s approach to politics, particularly as the state gears up for its elections.