Eknath Shinde's displeasure was triggered by recent remarks by independent MLA Ravi Rana and Shiv Sena MLA Mahesh Shinde. (File Photo)Expressing displeasure on the controversial statements of a few MLAs, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday urged ministers in the ruling alliance to rein in MLAs and advise them to be more cautious with their public statements ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Shinde’s displeasure was triggered by recent remarks by independent MLA Ravi Rana and Shiv Sena MLA Mahesh Shinde. Rana reportedly threatened women voters that they would lose the ₹1,500 benefit from the Chief Minister’s ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme if they did not support him. Meanwhile, Mahesh Shinde warned that those who opposed him would face consequences.
According to sources, Shinde instructed ministers to ensure MLAs are under control and avoid making statements that could be exploited by the opposition. “Such remarks provide ammunition to the opposition and put us on the defensive. They tarnish the scheme’s reputation, especially when we are working to promote it. Everyone must exercise caution while speaking publicly,” Shinde reportedly told the state cabinet.
Ravi Rana, MLA from Badnera in Amravati district, and a supporter of the ruling alliance, had stated at a public event, “We will double the ₹1,500 amount under this scheme after returning to power, but those who do not support us will forfeit this benefit.”
Shiv Sena MLA Mahesh Shinde, representing Koregaon in Satara district, threatened at a public event, asserting that he would cancel the benefits of those who opposed his party. “I know every single person from every village. If you try to act smart, we will take care of you in December,” he said.