PUNE, 6 NOV. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a dig at Uddhav Thackeray, stating that although some people today call him 'Bhakaas Mantri' (Minister of Ruin), he personally stepped out onto the streets and worked during his tenure as Chief Minister. Shinde emphasized, "I started as a simple Shakha Pramukh (branch head) and became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This was possible because of the strength of my workers." He remarked, "Some people did Facebook Live sitting at home, whereas I do live streams from the fences of farmers' fields."

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was speaking at a rally held on Thursday, November 6, in Chakan (Taluka Khed) on the occasion of former Zilla Parishad member Atul Deshmukh joining the party. Present at the event were Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe, MP Shrirang Barne, former Minister Vijaybapu Shivtare, MLA Sharad Sonawane, District Chief Bhagwan Pokharkar, Irfan Sayyed, Nitin Gore, Jyoti Argade, Manisha Gore, Vijay Shinde, Prakash Wadekar, Vikas Thakur, Rohidas Gadade, Sachin Kale, Sulabha Ubale, and hundreds of other workers.

Shinde highlighted that his government implemented numerous welfare schemes, including a ₹32,000 crore grant for farmers, the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' (Dear Sister Scheme), 'concessions in ST buses', and loan waivers. He claimed that the people of Maharashtra placed their trust in his government, resulting in a victory in 60 out of 80 seats.

Addressing women's issues, he stated that the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' is a sensitive scheme of his government. He clarified that though some rumours are being spread, the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' will not be stopped. The government remains committed to women's empowerment.

Speaking about the increasing traffic congestion in the Chakan area, Shinde acknowledged that the problem has escalated due to industrial growth. He announced that ₹5,000 crores have been sanctioned to resolve this issue. The tendering process has commenced, and the actual work on the Talegaon - Chakan - Shikrapur Highway will start soon.