In a sharp response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements and manifesto promises, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has dismissed the opposition party’s pledges as “fake promises” and accused them of creating false narratives about the Constitution.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Shinde expressed skepticism about Congress’s ability to follow through on its proposed schemes, including the Mahalaxmi Yojana. He highlighted Congress’s history of making lofty promises only to backtrack later, blaming issues like “printing mistakes” or lack of funding. Shinde, speaking on the Mahalaxmi Yojana, pointed out the contradictions in Congress’s stance, referring to their past opposition to similar initiatives such as the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ and their legal challenges against it.
“Those who opposed the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’, who went to the court against it, their intentions are maligned… the Mayahuti government will be formed again, and we will do what we say,” Shinde said, emphasizing the difference between his government’s actions and Congress’s empty promises.
The Congress party’s manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections includes several ambitious proposals such as Rs 3,000 per month for women, free bus travel for women and girls, a loan waiver of up to Rs 3 lakh for farmers, a caste-based census, removal of the 50% reservation limit, and health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh for families. However, CM Shinde raised questions about the feasibility and sincerity behind these promises.
“Congress has made similar promises in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, only to later claim there were ‘printing mistakes’ or lack of funds,” Shinde remarked. “They ask the Centre for money, but these are deceitful people who are not trustworthy.”
Shinde also targeted Rahul Gandhi’s claims about the BJP and RSS allegedly aiming to “destroy the Constitution.” Calling this narrative “fake,” Shinde asserted that the Constitution created by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar would remain as strong as ever, no matter what narratives are spread.
“This fake narrative will not work. Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution will remain as long as there is Sun and Moon,” Shinde stated, defending the BJP’s commitment to upholding the Constitution.
As the election campaign heats up, the battle over promises and ideological narratives is intensifying. With both the BJP and Congress engaging in heated exchanges, the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20 are set to be a fiercely contested affair.