Eknath Shinde: Ek hain to safe hain slogan is to unite voters, enthuse them to vote and help avoid what happened in Lok Sabha polls
“Hum chaadar dekh kar pair failane wale hain… we only say what can be done within limits,” Shinde told The Indian Express in an interview as the state braces for the Assembly elections on November 20.
Counting on the success of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other welfare schemes to return the Mahayuti to power, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Friday that while his government rolled out with the schemes to help the poor and needy which he will continue to do, he will not get into any competition on welfare schemes, and that the government cannot be run by only distributing money.
“See, the government cannot be run by only distributing money. We will not get into any competition on this. But helping the poor and bringing them into the mainstream is the job of the government and it is our task to bring them out of poverty and we will continue to do that,” he said.
With leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party raising slogans such as ‘batenge toh katenge’ and ‘ek hain toh safe hain’, Shinde defended the slogans of his alliance partners and saidit is being done to avoid what happened in the Lok Sabha polls, that it is important to unite voters and to enthuse them to come out and vote.
Unity is important for development and to motivate the cadre. We do not want a repetition in Vidhan Sabha of what we experienced during the Lok Sabha (elections)… We saw less percentage of voting and so it is being done to motivate the Mahayuti cadre though people are taking it in another way,” Shinde said.
“Prime Minister Modiji is saying that we should all be united. He has not taken the name of any religion or caste. He said ‘ek hain toh safe hain’ which means we all should be united and contest the polls by bringing all communities together and increase the voting percentage. We can increase it by coming together.”
He criticised the Congress for indulging in “casteist and communal politics by creating a divide” between people and for “creating a fake narrative of changing the Constitution and removing reservation”.
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Taking on the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray — the two factions are contesting against each other in 49 constituencies across the state — Shinde said that while he defeated them in the Lok Sabha elections with a better strike rate, it will get even better this election. “Iss chunav mein ab doodh ka doodh aur paani ka paani ho jayega as people are going to vote for those who work and not for those who sit at home. People need development and welfare schemes,” he said.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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