Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would secure a victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections. Shinde attributed this belief to the failure of the opposition parties to reach a consensus on a suitable leader.
During the “Shasan Aplya Dari” (government at your doorstep) program, Shinde also commented on the recent inclusion of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar in the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government in Maharashtra. He stated that this development would accelerate the pace of governance in the state.
Shinde emphasized the unity within their coalition, asserting that they had the support of 200 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) in Maharashtra. He reassured that their government would ensure fairness and avoid any discrimination or injustice towards anyone.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came as he addressed the public during a program aimed at bringing the government closer to the citizens. Shinde’s confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s victory stems from the perceived disarray among the opposition parties regarding the selection of a strong and unified leader to challenge the ruling party.
The absence of a consensus leader within the opposition has become a topic of concern and speculation in political circles. While the upcoming general elections are still a year away, the opposition’s inability to present a united front could potentially impact their chances of posing a significant challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Shinde’s statement regarding Ajit Pawar joining the Shiv Sena-BJP government was seen as a positive development by the Chief Minister. He believes that Pawar’s inclusion will streamline decision-making processes and expedite the progress of various initiatives undertaken by the coalition government. This move has been interpreted as a step towards strengthening the alliance between the Shiv Sena and the BJP.
With the support of 200 MLAs and MPs in Maharashtra, Shinde aimed to reassure the public that their government would work diligently to prevent any form of discrimination or unfair treatment. This assurance comes in response to concerns about potential bias or favoritism in the functioning of the government.
As the political landscape continues to evolve and the country approaches the 2024 general elections, the absence of a prominent opposition leader remains a significant challenge for parties seeking to challenge the ruling BJP. Eknath Shinde’s remarks underscored the prevailing sentiment within the ruling coalition that Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands a strong chance of securing victory in the upcoming elections due to the opposition’s internal divisions and indecision.