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Journalism of Courage
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday placed development funding at the centre of his campaign pitch in Pimpalner and Satana, assuring residents that both towns would receive uninterrupted financial support for major civic works if the Shiv Sena secured control of their municipal councils.
Speaking at rallies in Dhule and Nashik districts, Shinde said the Urban Development Department, which he heads, had already cleared key proposals and would continue to prioritise the region.
In Pimpalner, Shinde reminded voters that the upgrade from gram panchayat to municipal council had been approved during his tenure as chief minister. He said a package of works would be taken up, including concretisation of the Pimpalner–Satana Road, a new water purification and distribution system, regularisation of encroached houses, Rs 2 crore for Namo Garden, ghats on the Panjara river, tourism amenities, a power station and a wrestling ground. He said the administration would “ensure that funds do not become an obstacle at any stage” and appealed for the election of Lalita Premanand Gaikwad as chairperson along with all 20 Shiv Sena candidates.
Shinde said MLA Manjula Gavit had been allotted ₹1,600 crore in development funds and added that the government’s response to local issues would “speak louder than allegations”. On the Dongarale atrocity case, he said the state would appoint a senior advocate and pursue the matter on a fast-track basis to secure the maximum punishment for the accused. Speaking on farm distress caused by heavy rainfall, Shinde said the Mahayuti government had sanctioned a ₹32,000-crore package and would “stand firmly with farmers”.
In Satana, Shinde said that ₹67 crore had already been sanctioned for road works and that detailed proposals for water supply, underground sewerage, the Yashwantrao Maharaj memorial, garden projects and tourist facilities were being processed. He added that national highway-linked connectivity works would also be expedited. He said illegal water and property taxes imposed earlier would be cancelled and replaced with a valuation-based assessment system. He sought support for Harshada Patil as chairperson and the party’s panel of 20 candidates, saying villagers had “united behind development”.
Shinde also highlighted welfare schemes launched during his two-and-a-half-years stint as Chief Minister, including the Ladki Behen Yojana, Lekh Ladki Yojana, 50% concession for women in ST buses, free higher education for girls and the Shetkari Sanman Nidhi Yojana.
He said the municipal polls represented the work and commitment of grassroots Shiv Sena members and added that public trust was more enduring than political office.
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