Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 22: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Sunday said his party has maintained a strong strike rate in the recent Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections, asserting that the results have finally settled the debate over which faction represents the “real” Shiv Sena.

Riding on the momentum of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Shinde attributed the party’s success to its development-oriented agenda and strong grassroots connect. Speaking to reporters, he took a sharp swipe at the Opposition, stating that voters have clearly rejected those who, according to him, tried to confine people to their homes.

“The people have sent home those who wanted to keep others restricted. The verdict has made it clear whom the real Shiv Sena belongs to,” Shinde said.

The Mahayuti alliance registered a landslide victory in the local body polls, with the BJP emerging as the largest party by crossing the 100-seat mark, while Shiv Sena secured the second position with over 50 seats.

Despite contesting fewer seats, Shiv Sena recorded a high success rate and won a significant number of President (Nagaradhyaksha) posts, Shinde noted. He added that in several regions, the combined tally of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) fell short of the seats won by Shiv Sena alone.

Rejecting claims that the party’s influence is limited to Thane or Mumbai, Shinde highlighted Shiv Sena’s strong performance in the Konkan belt. He said the party recorded major victories in Raigad, Palghar and other coastal regions, reaffirming Konkan as a Shiv Sena stronghold.

“The Bow and Arrow symbol has now reached every household in Maharashtra,” he said, crediting the victory to the relentless efforts of party office-bearers and grassroots workers.

Shinde said the poll outcome reflects the people’s preference for leaders focused on infrastructure and basic amenities rather than political rhetoric. “People want a leader who works. Shiv Sena has always stood by citizens during crises, and the ‘Sena-Sankat’ relationship remains deeply rooted in public memory,” he remarked.

Congratulating Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the alliance’s performance, Shinde described the victory as a “receipt of approval” for the work done by the Mahayuti government over the past three-and-a-half years.

Expressing confidence ahead of the upcoming Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad elections, the deputy chief minister said, “This is just a trailer; the full movie is yet to come,” predicting a clean sweep for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.