Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Muslim Vote Swelling Will Dissipate, Says Eknath Shinde

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday dismissed claim of growing support for Shiv Sena (UBT), claiming that Muslim vote "swelling" in ir favour would soon dissipate.

Shinde, dressing a rally in Vaijapur for party candidate Ramesh Bornare, emphasised that Shiv Sena's focus on community service, rar than caste-based politics, was reason for party's victory in Aurangab Lok Sabha constituency.

chief minister alleged 'flaming torch' poll symbol of Uddhav Thackeray faction was a medium to set houses on fire and create a rift among communities.

"y (Shiv Sena-UBT) call 'mashal (flaming torch) a symbol of revolution. But ir torch sets homes ablaze and creates a rift among communities. This swelling of Muslim votes will go away," Shinde ded.

He claimed MLAs in Marathwa region didn't receive a single rupee for development of ir constituencies in 2.5 years after 2019 (when MVA government was in power).

"Vaijapur MLA Ramesh Bornare received a huge fund for his constituency. I believe in giving and t taking back," Shinde ded.

Targeting Shiv Sena (UBT), CM said morale of Shiv Sainiks was bly hit and y were left demoralised because Bal Thackeray's ideology was abandoned, a reference to Uddhav Thackeray joining hands with Congress and NCP (undivided) to form a government after 2019 assembly elections.

"H I t acted, Congress would have sold Shiv Sena and its bow and arrow (election symbol)," Shinde said in an obvious reference to his revolt against Thackeray in June 2022 that led to collapse of MVA government.

He attributed Shiv Sena candidate Sandipan Bhumre's victory in Lok Sabha polls from Aurangab seat to his work for various communities without caste discrimination.

Bhumre h defeated Shiv Sena (UBT) and AIMIM candidates to score a victory.

Voting for 288 seats in Maharashtra will be held on vember 20 and results will be out on vember 23.