Eknath Shinde's appointment as Maharashtra CM leads to high decibel celebrations across Thane

THANE: The anointment of Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde as the 20th chief minister of Maharashtra triggered off a series of high-decibel celebrations across his fiefdom in Thane district.

Several Shinde loyalists spilled over to the streets and activists in his strongholds of Kalyan, Thane city were seen expressing their happiness as their dearest ‘bhai’ took oath to the topmost seat in the state, Thursday evening.

A group of loyalists who assembled outside Shinde’s house in Louiswadi area of Thane were seen bursting crackers and distributing sweets. Several women activists and Shinde loyalists were also seen congratulating across the city including that at the Anand Dighe memorial at Tembhi naka.

An associate of Shinde from Thane, Vilas Joshi, said that Shinde taking the top spot of the state was justice and victory for the residents of not just Thane but also Maharashtra. “Thane gets its first power position in the state and we are confident, he (Shinde) will work for the development of the state,” he said.

Loyalist Naresh Mhaske said with Shinde ascending to the top post is a real proud moment for all Thanekars and wished his mentor late Anand Dighe was present to witness this moment.

The celebrations were also seen in Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar and Ambernath, which are Shinde strongholds. In Kalyan (East), former Shiv Sena corporator Mahesh Gaikwad and supporters distributed sweets in support of Shinde while in Dombivli at Indira Gandhi chowk, Shinde supporters celebrated by coming on to the road.
The Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency of Dr Shrikant Shinde, Shinde's son also wore a festive look with several supporters led by Arun Ashan, gathered outside Dr Shinde's office in Ulhasnagar, and celebrated the moment by distributing food. Similar celebrations were seen outside offices of rebel Shiv Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar in Ambernath and Kalyan based office of MLA Vishwanath Bhoir.