Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Vows to Make Mumbai Slum-Free

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday announced ambitious plans to make Mumbai slum-free, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing affordable housing for the underprivileged. 

Speaking at a large gathering, Shinde sought a renewed mandate from the public, highlighting the achievements of his administration over the past two and a half years.

“If we can accomplish so much in this short time, imagine what we can achieve in five years,” Shinde asserted, reinforcing his government's dedication to improving living conditions for the poor. He posed rhetorical questions about the rights of the less fortunate, implicitly criticizing opposition leader Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT) by suggesting that leadership should not be restricted to the privileged.

Shinde highlighted the distribution of Rs 350 crore from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, which has reportedly benefited over 100,000 people. He urged the audience to “teach a lesson to those who dismiss your benefits as 'revdis' (freebies),” signaling his administration’s commitment to social welfare.

The Chief Minister also addressed the controversial 'Ladki Bahin Yojana,' criticizing the opposition for attempting to undermine the initiative, even taking legal action to halt it. “Be cautious of these evil brothers,” he warned the gathering, referring to opposition members.

Stressing his administration's focus on comprehensive welfare, Shinde declared, “The government’s funds belong to the people; they have the first right to it.” He touted investments in education and support for students, youth, farmers, and senior citizens, and noted that his government has accelerated development projects while prioritizing welfare schemes.

Shinde praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's vision for Maharashtra, aiming to transform the state into a significant growth hub and establish Mumbai as the country’s fintech capital. He reiterated his commitment to providing ownership homes to slum dwellers, asserting that the Mahayuti government is “pro-poor.”

“We will make Mumbai slum-free by giving ownership homes to those in need,” he promised, inviting voters to compare the two and a half years of his administration with the previous government’s tenure.

The Chief Minister announced that the Mahayuti coalition would unveil its manifesto within the next few days. He concluded with a reference to a popular Salman Khan film dialogue, “Once committed, I don’t listen to anyone,” emphasizing his resolve to fulfill every promise made to the people.