Guwahati: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday revisited the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, seeking divine blessings ahead of the crucial assembly elections scheduled for next month.
This visit holds significant importance for Shinde, as it was at this very shrine two years ago that he, along with 39 rebel MLAs from the then-undivided Shiv Sena, sought blessings after revolting against the party leadership and the former chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray.The rebellion led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray govt and a split in the Shiv Sena.
Shinde subsequently took oath as the new chief minister with the support of BJP and later visited the temple to seek the goddess’s blessings.
After offering his prayers, Shinde expressed his unwavering confidence in the upcoming elections, stating, “I am more than a hundred per cent confident (of victory), because people will work in favour of the work Mahayuti govt has done in two years, when compared with Maha Vikas Aghadi work in two and a half years and people can see development happening at a fast pace.”
He added, “Our govt is for the common man, and we aim to bring positive changes to their lives, providing them with benefits and improving their living standards. We have worked to ensure that everyone receives necessary facilities. The public perception among women, sisters, and brothers is very positive.”
Shinde fondly recalled his previous visits to the temple, saying, “I had previously visited to seek blessings from the goddess before the elections, before forming the govt, and even after forming it. We have received many blessings from the goddess, and this time, we will also seek her blessings before starting our work.”
Shinde and the MLAs camped at a luxury hotel in Guwahati for over a week before moving to Goa and then to Mumbai to form the govt.
The upcoming assembly poll battle is perhaps the most crucial one for Shinde, as Maharashtra prepares to vote on Nov 20 to elect a new 288-member house. The Shinde-led Sena heads the ruling coalition, which also includes BJP and NCP led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.
Shinde highlighted the progress made by his govt, stating, “Our infrastructure ranks first in the country, which the previous administration had stalled. Our govt, which came to power two years ago, removed all obstacles and accelerated infrastructure projects like roads, flyovers, and metro systems. People can see the rapid development happening in Maharashtra.”
He further elaborated on the welfare schemes implemented by his govt, saying, “We have implemented apprenticeship stipend schemes and benefits for senior citizens and farmers. We have made higher education free for girls aspiring to become doctors, engineers, or lawyers. On one side, we have welfare schemes, and on the other, development. We will present our work to the public, and the truth will be evident. I am confident that the people of Maharashtra will fully support and re-elect our coalition. We aim to ensure that there is no discrimination or conflict based on caste, and everyone receives justice.”