Local Body Results Settle ‘Real Shiv Sena’ Debate: Eknath Shinde

• Shiv Sena posts high strike rate in nagar parishad and nagar panchayat polls
• Eknath Shinde says verdict proves who represents the “real Shiv Sena”
• Sena outperforms combined Opposition in several regions
• Mahayuti victory termed public approval of governance

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 22nd Dec: Riding on the momentum of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Sunday said his party has maintained a formidable strike rate in the recent nagar parishad and nagar panchayat elections, asserting that the results have decisively settled the debate over the “real” Shiv Sena.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde attributed the party’s performance to a development-driven agenda and strong grassroots connectivity. Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said, “The people have sent home those who tried to keep others restricted to their homes. The voters have clearly demonstrated who the true Shiv Sena belongs to.”

The ruling Mahayuti alliance registered a sweeping victory in the local body polls, with the Bharatiya Janata Party crossing the 100-seat mark. Shiv Sena emerged second with over 50 seats. Shinde noted that despite contesting fewer seats, Sena recorded a high winning percentage and secured a large number of President (Nagaradhyaksha) posts.

He further claimed that in several regions, the combined tally of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi fell short of the numbers achieved by Shiv Sena alone, calling it a clear rejection of Opposition politics.

Rejecting the narrative that Sena’s influence is limited to Thane or Mumbai, Shinde highlighted the party’s strong performance in the Konkan belt. “The results reaffirm that Konkan is a Shiv Sena stronghold. We have recorded major victories in Raigad, Palghar and other parts of Maharashtra. The Bow and Arrow symbol has now reached every household in the state,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister credited the victory to the tireless work of party office-bearers and grassroots workers, adding that voters prefer leaders who focus on infrastructure and basic amenities rather than political rhetoric. “People want a leader who works. Shiv Sena has always stood with citizens in times of crisis. The ‘Sena-Sankat’ bond remains strong,” he said.

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

Looking ahead to the upcoming Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad elections, Shinde exuded confidence, remarking, “This is just the trailer; the full movie is yet to come,” and predicted a clean sweep for the Mahayuti alliance in future polls across Maharashtra.