Maharashtra’s political temperature rose on Sunday as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directly confronted the MVA opposition. Post-cabinet briefing in Mumbai, he challenged them to validate their anti-government accusations in the legislative budget session.
‘Legislative floors, not streets, are for proving claims of corruption or negligence,’ Shinde declared, rebuking MVA’s external agitation strategy. He insisted on evidence-based discussions within the assembly for accountability.
Shinde pointed to the procedural gap: no official Leader of Opposition in Assembly or Council yet. ‘Presiding officers will appoint them; government interference is nil,’ he stated, subtly undermining opposition credentials.
Pivoting to positives, he praised ongoing welfare drives like ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin,’ underscoring development priorities. ‘Performance will shine in house debates,’ he assured stakeholders.
Criticizing Youth Congress’s AI Summit protests, Shinde stressed national prestige. On Mulund’s metro mishap, accountability was swift—engineer axed, audits ordered, Rs 5 lakh to bereaved families, full injury care, MMRDA adding Rs 15 lakh.
With the 2026-27 budget on horizon, Shinde vowed emphasis on public good and progress. This challenge sets the stage for a combative session, where words will clash and records scrutinized.