The Shiv Sena has recently taken action by removing two office-bearers from its Thane unit after a video surfaced showing individuals dancing and showering currency notes in front of a portrait of late Anand Dighe, the mentor of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The incident, which occurred on September 12 during the Ganesh festival, was met with disapproval from both Shinde and Thane Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske, who described it as “highly unpleasant” and not in line with the respectful manner in which such occasions should be celebrated.
The video depicted Shiv Sena functionaries engaging in the inappropriate behavior in front of the portrait of Dighe at Anand Ashram, where he had previously headed the Thane unit of the Shiv Sena. Following the incident, the clip went viral on social media, drawing further attention to the matter.
In response to the incident, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Thane Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske expressed their disapproval, emphasizing the need for appropriate conduct during celebrations. As a result, the two party office-bearers involved in the incident were dismissed, though their specific posts were not disclosed in the order issued by Mhaske on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, CM Shinde made an announcement at a public event in Paranda tehsil in Dharashiv district, stating that if the ruling Mahayuti receives a “bigger mandate” in the upcoming state polls, the government would consider doubling the monthly financial assistance amount of the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme to Rs 3,000. Currently, the scheme provides Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women under the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’, a flagship financial assistance program for women in the state.
Shinde highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering women through initiatives like the Ladki Bahin scheme, aimed at supporting women from all backgrounds in achieving financial independence. He also addressed concerns raised by the opposition regarding the sustainability of such schemes, emphasizing that the state exchequer exists to benefit the people.
Furthermore, Shinde took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray over his reliance on Facebook live public addresses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shinde emphasized the importance of face-to-face interactions with the public to truly understand their issues and effectively govern.
Overall, the incident involving the Shiv Sena functionaries and the subsequent actions taken by the party underscore the importance of upholding respect and dignity in all celebrations and public events. Additionally, CM Shinde’s commitment to empowering women through financial assistance schemes demonstrates the government’s dedication to promoting gender equality and financial independence among women in Maharashtra.
