By News18,Pathikrit Sen Gupta

Copyright news18

In a blistering attack aimed squarely at his former party head, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde used his Dussehra speech on Thursday to present a stark contrast between his brand of people-first politics and that of the opposition. The Shiv Sena boss firmly positioned himself as the true torchbearer of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology, dismissing his opponents as self-serving elitists.
Shinde took a sharp, colloquial jibe at the opposition’s perceived fragility, contrasting their luxurious lifestyle with the hardiness required for public service:
“Jhud ko chahiye kaaju badam; pani mein gaye to sardi zukaam,” he said in a veiled taunt, suggesting that his rivals were too soft and privileged for the challenges of serving the common man.
Shinde then outlined his core principle of true Shiv Sainik duty, declaring, “You are not a Shiv Sainik if you don’t stand by people in the hour of crisis and be with them in their grief.” He highlighted his government’s commitment to public assistance, citing relief efforts in Maharashtra and extending aid far beyond, including bringing back people from crisis points like Pahalgam and Nepal, showcasing a history of selfless action.
The most cutting remarks were reserved for Uddhav, accusing him of a deep-seated reluctance to serve.
“When you had everything, you did not want to give to the people, and now you cry that you have nothing to give. I can guarantee you that tomorrow, also, you will not give anything to the public, even if you have everything,” said Shinde.
He crystallised this ideological divide with a potent analogy: “Because you are a ‘Lena Bank’, and Shinde is a ‘Dena Bank’. I know only to give to the people.”
Shinde made it clear where his loyalties lie. “You can keep on chasing worldly pleasures and properties, but for me, Balasaheb’s blessings and his ideology are my biggest wealth,” he said.