Mumbai, February 22. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a bold challenge to the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Sunday, daring them to substantiate their allegations against the state government during the upcoming budget session of the legislature.
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Shinde dismissed the opposition’s street protests and media campaigns as mere posturing. ‘If they have solid evidence of corruption or administrative failures, let them bring it to the floor of the house,’ he asserted. ‘The assembly is the right forum for such debates, not press conferences or rallies.’
Shinde highlighted the absence of officially recognized Leader of Opposition in both the Legislative Assembly and Council. ‘The decision on appointing the LoP rests solely with the Speaker and Chairman. The government has no say in it,’ he clarified, questioning the opposition’s unity and legitimacy.
Turning to governance achievements, the Deputy CM spotlighted the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, which empowers women through direct benefits. ‘Our focus remains on development and welfare. The budget session will showcase our record transparently,’ he promised.
He also condemned Youth Congress protests at the AI Summit in New Delhi, calling them detrimental to India’s global image. On the recent Mulund metro pillar collapse, Shinde detailed swift action: suspension of the executive engineer, orders for safety audits across projects, Rs 5 lakh aid to kin of the deceased, full medical support for the injured, and an additional Rs 15 lakh from MMRDA.
Looking ahead, Shinde announced that the 2026-27 budget would prioritize public welfare and infrastructure, ensuring tangible benefits for Maharashtra’s citizens. The session promises heated exchanges as the opposition weighs its response.