From Aid to Fishermen & Better Roads to Salary Hike for Teachers, Sena Leader Lists Shinde’s Wins, Slams Thackerays

Mumbaikars are getting true justice now under chief minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena secretary and spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar has said, slamming the Thackerays for neglecting the city despite controlling the BMC for more than two decades

On Wednesday, Shinde disbursed compensation to the over 500 fishermen of Worli Koliwada who have been adversely affected by the Mumbai coastal road project since 2018. “These individuals hail from Aaditya Thackeray’s constituency. Instead of assisting them, he spends his time levelling allegations against the chief minister daily. Despite this, Shinde remains resolute, ignoring the criticism and delivering justice to the public, as demonstrated in this instance,” said Pawaskar.

Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Pawaskar added: “This (fishermen) community has been grappling with issues since 2018, yet the MVA chief minister ignored them and their due compensation. The Thackerays have labelled Shinde as unconstitutional. Today, it’s clear to everyone who truly respects the Constitution and serves the public.”

Pawaskar cited another example to show how Uddhav Thackeray has never worked for the people of the city. “Even though the Thackerays controlled the BMC for more than two decades, it was Shinde who approved the implementation of the 7th pay commission for BMC school teachers. After this hike, teacher salaries will rise by Rs 13,000 to Rs 28,000. These educators have been clamouring for the 7th pay commission since 2017. What prevented the Thackerays from addressing their concerns?” asked Pawaskar.

He emphasised that while Sena UBT leaders are preoccupied with criticism and slinging mud at the chief minister, Shinde has consistently responded through actions that benefit people.

“Each year, in the name of monsoon preparedness, Sena UBT leaders only indulged in corruption and turned Mumbai into Tumbai (a flooded city). But this year, despite heavy rains, Mumbai did not flood even a single day. Such transformative changes speak of Shinde’s calibre. He has also started work on giving the city better infrastructure, including pothole-free roads.”

Pawaskar said the ongoing inquiries against those who looted the BMC coffers even during the pandemic will soon result in action. “It is a matter of shame that the Mayor of the city has been charged under Section 420 in two cases. The people of Mumbai will soon be presented with a clear picture of the action taken against those who indulged in corruption,” he said.