Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde responds to criticism

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has slammed leaders who, despite coming to power with Maratha support, neglected the community’s interests when given the opportunity. His remarks came after NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar raised concerns over divisions in the community over quota issues.

Shinde rebuked opponents of the state’s ‘Ladki Bahin’ and ‘Ladka Bhau’ schemes and termed those who were blocking their implementation as ‘stepbrothers’. He also dismissed Pawar’s claim that separate pledge meetings were held with Maratha and OBC leaders. ‘We speak openly,’ Shinde claimed, emphasising his government’s positive actions in contrast to the alleged failures of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

Shinde stressed that his government had successfully allotted reservations to the Maratha community without encroaching on OBC quotas and challenged Pawar to maintain a clear, community-benefit-agnostic political stand. He also assured that the ‘Ladki Bahin’ and ‘Ladka Bhau’ schemes would go ahead despite attempts by the opposition to sabotage them.

(With input from agencies.)