Maharashtra polls: CM Eknath Shinde's development vision flawed, I will win, says Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Kedar Dighe

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat Kedar Dighe on Friday exuded confidence that he could pull off a giant-killer act and defeat Maharashtra chief minister and Thane strongman Eknath Shinde.

Dighe added that he has the blessings of his uncle late Anand Dighe, a hugely popular leader from the region who is also considered Shinde's mentor, and Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray.

Dighe criticised the current development approach under Shinde, stating, "The CM's vision of development is flawed. There is no dialogue with stakeholders. The Wagle Estate MIDC has shut down and corporate offices have come up there. Youth are facing unemployment." He highlighted issues such as the lack of training academies, improper infrastructure maintenance, and unresolved slumdweller concerns in Thane.

Dighe also pointed out the misuse of funds, citing, "A sum of Rs 2,000 crore was received for the 'smart city' project, but is Thane a smart city?" He questioned the timing of the Shinde government's decision to waive tolls just before the assembly polls. "There is lack of urban planning. Thanekars have been held to ransom for the last 20 years. Why did the Shinde government announce waiver of toll (at entry points to Mumbai) just ahead of (assembly) polls," he said.

Addressing broader state issues, Dighe mentioned the ongoing problem of farmer suicides and violence against women, arguing that youth and senior citizens would support his vision for jobs and welfare in Thane.

He commented on Shinde's leadership, "Why keep saying that I am there for the people. You (CM) are not doing anyone a favour. It is your job to stand by them."

If public life is one's passion, then one must be at hand when people need you, he said in a further swipe at Shinde.

Thane's Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency, which was established in 2009, has been represented by Shinde since then. He won the 2019 polls by a huge margin of 89,300 votes. The constituency comprises Kopri village, Wagle Estate, Dyaneshwar Nagar, Indira Nagar, Kisan Nagar, Savarkar Nagar and Ramchandra Nagar.

The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20 with results expected on November 23.
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