Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde: ‘Seat allocation after talks, winnability and local dynamics to hold key’

Do you believe the welfare schemes announced by the government will benefit Mahayuti in the upcoming polls?

Our party is committed to ensuring the success of Mahayuti candidates in the assembly elections, and we will take every effort to select the most deserving candidates. We are meeting and interacting with party workers in every constituency to gather first-hand information about our party’s presence and to raise awareness about the welfare schemes initiated by the government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The people of the state are pleased with the government’s work and the new schemes. However, it is also crucial to educate people about these new initiatives. Through the yatra, I am mobilizing the cadre to reach out to the people and create awareness about the schemes.

The opposition has criticized schemes like the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, suggesting they are election ploys that may be discontinued post-polls. What is your response?

The opposition has no other work but to criticize the government. We introduced these schemes for the welfare of the people, not for personal gain. The government has made a significant step by providing Rs 1,500 per month to these women, who are genuinely pleased with this support. There was no barrier for Opposition parties to start similar welfare schemes when they were in power. The MVA led by Uddhav Thackeray did not focus on development and only made false promises. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has worked tirelessly to fulfill every promise he made.

Is the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana financially viable? How will it impact the state exchequer?

The scheme is financially viable. The funds provided under this scheme will boost the economy by creating an ecosystem. For instance, if there are 100,000 women in a village benefiting from this scheme, it translates to Rs 150 crore being injected into the local market, thereby boosting economic activity. Development-oriented and welfare schemes are essential for a state like Maharashtra.

How many seats is Shiv Sena expecting to contest in the upcoming polls?

We have already dispatched observers to 100 assembly seats, and their work has commenced. The decision on seat allocation among parties will be made after discussions. Our main objective is to secure a victory for Mahayuti in the upcoming elections.

Which regions are currently strongholds for Shiv Sena?

Shiv Sena is strong in several regions, including the Mumbai Metropolitan region, Konkan, Nashik, Sambhaji Nagar, parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, and even Kolhapur.

What will be the criteria for seat-sharing?

Several factors will be considered in seat-sharing, such as winnability, local party strength, candidate potential, and other local dynamics. There is good coordination between the three parties, and the seat-sharing process will proceed smoothly, as it did during the Lok Sabha elections.

What is your stance on declaring the CM position? Will a candidate be announced before the elections?

The decision on this matter will be made during discussions with all the parties involved.

What went wrong in the Lok Sabha polls?

The Opposition spread false narratives, such as the Constitution would be altered. We failed to counter this effectively at the time, but now the truth is clear to the people, and such tactics will not work in the upcoming polls. The Opposition is now resorting to desperate measures, politicizing every issue. Uddhav Thackeray is reacting this way because he cannot accept that Chief Minister Shinde has gained popularity. Thackeray, who has lost credibility by abandoning Hindutva and becoming dependent on Congress votes, is struggling to cope with the shift in political dynamics.

You have personally devised the Kutumb Bhet initiative. What is the rationale behind it and how do you plan to execute it?

We are aware of Chief Minister Shinde’s commitment to the people of the state. The government has launched several public welfare schemes for all sections of society. As a party, it is our responsibility to ensure these schemes reach the people. Shiv Sena’s politics focus on empowerment.

Our political and social workers are our strength, and we will use our network of youthful party workers to visit homes and inform and educate citizens about the top 10 government schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. The idea behind Kutumb Bhet is to engage political workers in a more positive and purposeful manner. The response to the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other schemes has been tremendous and is expected to be a game-changer.