Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde announced that the government will set up 700 Aapla Davakhana (health clinics) in the state named after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The chief minister in a statement said strengthening the health infrastructure remains a top priority of his government and the health budget will be doubled.
Prakash Surve, Shiv Sena politician who now joined Shinde faction said “We will do all that the state needs be it medical facility, education or infrastructure. Our priority is welfare to the state and that was Bala Saheb’s dream too”.
Shivsena leader Ramdas Kadam said “ Balasaheb is our god, inspiration and existence. By announcing this project in the name of Bala Saheb, our CM has done a great job. This is a big tribute to saheb”.
Meanwhile, With the Election Commission announcing that by poll for the Andheri East assembly segment will be held on November 3, the stage is set for the first direct electoral clash between the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena and the BJP-Eknath Shinde combine after the formation of the Shinde-Fadnavis government.
The Thackeray faction has announced that Rutuja Latke, widow of MLA Ramesh Latke whose death in May has demanded the by-election, will be its candidate, while BJP Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar said former corporator Murji Patel will be the party’s candidate, though the official announcement will be made by the central leadership. The Shinde faction will back the BJP nominee though it’s yet to make a formal announcement.
Shiv Sena leader and LoP Ambadas Danve said, “This scheme was already declared in MVA Government.”
Shiv sena MLC Vilas Potnis Said, “They are using their power and bringing the same policies which were announced by the earlier government.”
