Maharashtra Assembly Polls: Shinde Vows to Protect Welfare Schemes Amid Political Joust

As Maharashtra assembly elections approach, CM Eknath Shinde assures continuation of welfare schemes against opposition plans. The Mahayuti alliance, led by Shiv Sena and BJP, faces off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Voter decisions could shape the future of key public welfare initiatives.

With the Maharashtra assembly elections imminent, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ongoing welfare schemes. Shinde criticized opposition leaders, alleging their intent to dismantle these schemes should they gain power. "No one can take back the welfare schemes," Shinde decisively stated in an interaction with ANI.

The 288-member assembly will conduct voting on November 20, with results announced on November 23. Shinde highlighted the significance of this year's Diwali, emphasizing the introduction of several new schemes benefiting daughters, youth, and farmers in Maharashtra, marking it as a particularly special celebration.

The upcoming polls see the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Ajit Pawar's leadership, challenging the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition. The latter includes parties like Congress, NCP led by Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar, a prominent figure of the NCP, addressed the instances of dual nominations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi. He assured that alliance leaders would soon convene to resolve the discrepancies over 10 to 12 contested seats, thereby dispelling rumors of internal discord.

(With inputs from agencies.)