Shinde Accuses Rahul Gandhi, INDIA Bloc of Conspiracy to Destabilise India

Mumbai, Oct 16 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders, accusing them of attempting to destabilise the country through protests against constitutional institutions.

Addressing a press conference at the Shiv Sena central office in Mumbai, Shinde alleged that the opposition was conspiring to create an atmosphere of anarchy in India similar to the situations witnessed in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. He asserted that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a strong and determined nation where such attempts would not succeed.

Criticising the opposition's demonstrations against constitutional bodies, Shinde alleged that Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc leaders were exerting pressure on autonomous institutions, including the Supreme Court, High Courts and the Election Commission, through marches and protests.

He accused the opposition of undermining democratic institutions and alleged that its actions were aimed at creating instability in the country. Shinde also claimed that statements by opposition leaders were being welcomed in Pakistan and accused Rahul Gandhi of echoing narratives favourable to that country.

The Deputy Chief Minister said opposition leaders had become frustrated after losing power and were resorting to protests and what he described as divisive propaganda. He maintained that such actions would not weaken the country's democratic institutions.

The press conference also witnessed the induction of national spokesperson Anand Dubey and several other leaders into the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde on the occasion of Navratri. Those who joined included Gulabchand Maurya, Sunil Choubey, Brijesh Maurya, Dashrath Prajapati, Praveen Dubey and Dhananjay Gupta. Youth wing leader Rahul Kanal and other senior party functionaries were present.

Welcoming the new entrants, Shinde praised Dubey for defending the party's position at the national level and expressed confidence that his induction would strengthen the Shiv Sena, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

Emphasising the party's commitment to the ideals of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe, Shinde said the party followed the principle of "Nation First", which he said was being advanced by Prime Minister Modi.

He added that there was no distinction between leaders and workers in the Shiv Sena and said he had continued to work as a party worker even during his tenure as Chief Minister.

On the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections to the Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies, Shinde announced the party's support for independent candidate Prof Sachin Sanap from the Pune Teachers' constituency, describing him as a committed Shiv Sainik.

He said the seat would witness a friendly contest, while the Mahayuti alliance was contesting the remaining four seats with unity and strength. Shinde expressed confidence that the alliance would win all five seats, citing its welfare schemes and development initiatives over the past two-and-a-half years.

Highlighting India's economic progress, Shinde said the country had moved from the 'Fragile Five' economies before 2014 to the world's top five economies under the Modi government and was poised to become the third-largest economy. He also said Maharashtra continued to lead the country in attracting foreign direct investment.

Concluding his address, Shinde urged citizens to remain vigilant against what he termed false narratives and divisive propaganda by the opposition. He asserted that the trust of India's 140 crore people remained firmly behind Prime Minister Modi.