Shrikant Shinde Throws Open Challenge To BJP’s Naik

In Ambernath, Shrikant Shinde said, “If he has that much enthusiasm, let him prove it in the election arena. He or his son should contest from Kalyan or Thane. I am ready for a direct challenge.”

His remarks came after state forest minister Naik on Saturday leveled serious allegations, perceived to be aimed at the Urban Development department headed by Eknath Shinde, regarding land allotments in Navi Mumbai.

“These lands were allocated for hospitals, gardens and schools. Instead, they were shoved down the throats of the builders through intermediaries. If the people in our own Urbanization department are doing this, how can I remain silent? I did not come to the ministry to remain silent. What is the use of being a minister if I cannot speak on behalf of the nation?” Naik said.

The BJP minister also warned that Shrikant Shinde’s name should be written as ‘former MP’ forever if the party orders it.

Reacting strongly, Shrikant Shinde accused Naik of making ‘baseless and repetitive allegations’. |Ganesh Naik has age-related memory loss. That’s why he criticizes everything. He shouldn’t talk about making me ‘old’. “Citizens need to be aware that they have made it obsolete over and over again,” he said.

Underlining his voter credentials, Shinde underlined that he was elected to the Lok Sabha three times in a row by significant margins and never faced defeat. He also claimed that Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) maintains strong influence over key civic institutions in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar and Ambernath, suggesting that political power in the region is built ‘on its merits’.