Eknath Shinde Backs NDA for Vice-Presidential Poll

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde announced his party’s unwavering support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming vice-presidential election on September 9, reinforcing the coalition’s unity. Speaking after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, Shinde dismissed rumours of discord with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, emphasizing their collaborative efforts for the state’s progress.

The vice-presidential poll, triggered by the resignation of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar last month, has prompted the NDA to rally its allies. Shinde, joined by all Shiv Sena MPs, lauded Shah’s “decisive leadership,” crediting him with fulfilling Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s dream of abrogating Article 370, curbing Naxalism, and bolstering national security through initiatives like ‘Operation Mahadev.’ Shah’s record as India’s longest-serving Home Minister, with 2,258 uninterrupted days, was a focal point of congratulations, as noted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an NDA parliamentary meeting on Tuesday.

Shinde also confirmed that the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—will jointly contest Maharashtra’s upcoming local body elections, building on their 2024 Assembly election victory, where they secured 225 of 288 seats. “Our alliance, older than the NDA itself, has thrived for 25 years,” Shinde said, highlighting its enduring strength. He addressed the Mahadevi elephant controversy, noting a planned Supreme Court review petition to respect public sentiments, and took a swipe at the opposition for questioning his Delhi visits, asserting transparency during the ongoing Parliament session.

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The announcement comes amid speculation about tensions within Mahayuti, with past reports of Shinde’s concerns over delayed approvals by NCP’s Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis’s reversal of Sena decisions. However, Shinde’s public endorsement of the NDA and Shah signals a unified front as the coalition navigates electoral and governance challenges.

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