By: The Trek News Desk
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde used the party’s 60th Foundation Day celebration to deliver a strong political message, emphasising that commitment to ideology, not blood relations, determines the rightful heirs of a political movement.
Addressing a large gathering at Mumbai’s NESCO Ground, Shinde highlighted the role of party workers in strengthening the organisation and hinted at further political developments in the state. His remarks suggested that more shifts within Maharashtra’s political landscape could be on the horizon.
Without naming specific leaders, Shinde stated that recent political changes should be viewed only as the beginning, indicating that additional developments may unfold in the coming months. Political observers interpreted the statement as a possible reference to future defections from rival factions.
During his speech, Shinde asserted that Shiv Sena is not the property of any individual or family but a movement built on the dedication and beliefs of millions of party workers. He stressed that a political organisation’s legacy is preserved through its ideology and grassroots supporters rather than hereditary succession.
According to Shinde, those carrying forward the vision of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray are the party workers who continue to uphold his principles across the state.
The deputy Chief Minister also expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said that two long-standing aspirations associated with Balasaheb Thackeray, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370, had been achieved under their leadership.
Referring to the ongoing birth centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shinde said Shiv Sena has strengthened its political standing and emerged as one of Maharashtra’s leading parties. He credited dedicated party workers for expanding the organisation’s reach from urban centres to villages across the state.
Shinde also targeted the opposition camp, suggesting that leaders advising other parties to merge with Congress should first assess their own declining influence. While refraining from directly naming individuals, his comments were widely seen as aimed at the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership.
The Shiv Sena leader further criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, claiming that electoral setbacks often follow wherever the Congress leader takes an active campaign role. The remark drew applause from party supporters present at the event.
Thousands of Shiv Sena workers and supporters attended the foundation day celebration. The event focused on the party’s achievements, future political strategy, and its vision for upcoming electoral battles in Maharashtra.
Source: News Agencies
