Nagpur: Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday mounted a broadside against the opposition, accusing Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray of embracing Hindutva only out of political compulsion, while portraying the Mahayuti govt as the genuine protector of farmers and the force that fulfilled the long-standing promise of building the Ram temple.Speaking to reporters at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Shinde accused opposition of criticising the government irrespective of its work and projected the Mahayuti as true champion of both farmers and Hindutva. He said state’s treasury belonged first to ‘Baliraja’ and highlighted the govt’s decision to provide financial assistance of up to 2 lakh to eligible farmers facing distress. According to him, the Mahayuti govt has consistently stood with farmers during difficult times and would continue to prioritise their welfare.Responding to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s criticism of the state, Shinde acknowledged Pawar’s experience but said some opposition leaders were in the habit of attacking the govt regardless of its decisions.Shinde reserved his sharpest comments for Uddhav Thackeray, reacting to the latter’s announcement that he would recite the Ram Raksha during his Nagpur visit on July 18. “Hindutva is not something that can be changed like changing T-shirts. It has to come from the heart,” Shinde said, claiming Thackeray had turned to Lord Ram only after facing political setbacks.Drawing a distinction between the two Shiv Sena factions, Shinde credited PM Narendra Modi and BJP-led govt for fulfilling long-pending promise of constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Referring to allegations linked to the Ram temple trust, he said the faith of millions of devotees was involved and asserted that anyone found guilty after an investigation would face action.The deputy chief minister also claimed that leaders and workers from other parties were increasingly joining his Shiv Sena because it remained committed to its ideology and cadre.Earlier, Shinde received a rousing welcome from Shiv Sena workers on his arrival at the airport. Hundreds of party office-bearers and supporters gathered with party flags and raised slogans in his support. Organised by Shiv Sena city chief Nitin Tiwari and Nagpur unit, the reception turned the airport into a show of organisational strength as workers greeted Shinde with floral garlands before he left for his scheduled engagements.
