Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday asserted that his Shiv Sena faction is poised for a strong showing in the upcoming local body elections, citing a surge in grassroots support and the party’s focus on development. Highlighting mass joinings from Nashik, other parts of Maharashtra, and even neighbouring states, Shinde claimed, “People know Shiv Sena delivers on its promises. Our growing support from municipal staff, sarpanches, and leaders from other regions will help us dominate the Swaraj elections.”
Shinde dismissed allegations that the elections were announced because of the ruling alliance, stating the groundwork had been underway since 2022. His remarks come ahead of crucial local body polls, which are being held after a five-year delay triggered by OBC reservation disputes.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the BJP, Shiv Sena, and allies will contest under the Mahayuti banner. “Our party’s state leadership will decide on local alliances. Where it’s not possible, we may have friendly fights,” he said on June 11.
On June 10, the Maharashtra government began drafting ward boundaries for 29 municipal corporations—including Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Navi Mumbai—following a Supreme Court directive issued on May 6 instructing the State Election Commission to announce poll dates within four weeks.
Meanwhile, Shinde announced plans for a grand Shiv Sena anniversary celebration on June 19. “Operation Tiger is on daily. Funds will keep coming in. Our work will continue,” he said, reinforcing the momentum of his faction’s organizational efforts.
Addressing national issues, Shinde lauded the Modi government for launching ‘Operation Sindoor’ in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. Describing it as an attack on Indian womanhood—symbolized by the wiping of ‘sindoor’—Shinde said the Modi-led response was what the nation demanded. “Congress merely reacted in the past and indulged in vote-bank politics. This time, India acted. Delegations were sent to 34 countries, and the world is backing our stand,” he stated.
As Maharashtra heads into high-stakes civic elections, Shinde is positioning his party not only as a force of local governance but also as a nationalistic voice in tune with the Modi government’s assertive posture on terrorism.
