Maharashtra Lok Sabha Polls: Will be among top 5 with highest victory margins, says Shrikant Shinde

This election marks a significant change for incumbent MP Shrikant Shinde, who is contesting from the Kalyan constituency for the third time. Unlike previous elections, Shinde will now run as the son of Eknath Shinde, the president of the Shiv Sena and Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Previously, Shinde's opponents were from the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance, but this time, he will face Vaishali Darekar from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), representing the other faction of the party following the split. Kalyan is scheduled to vote in the fifth phase on May 20.

The Kalyan constituency has traditionally been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena, and Shrikant Shinde remains confident of securing victory in the upcoming election. He attributes this confidence to the development work undertaken in the constituency over the past decade, which he believes has garnered support from the local residents.

In an exclusive interview with News18, Shrikant Shinde discussed his vision for the constituency and addressed the political issues raised by the opposition against the current state government.

Shinde expressed optimism about the outcome of the election, stating that the people of Kalyan-Dombivali will reveal their stance on June 4. He criticised the use of derogatory language by the opposition, emphasising that his focus remains on developmental work while others engage in negative politicking.

"Our focus remains on productive efforts, contrasting with opponents who resort to verbal abuse, which undermines the integrity of politics. I believe the opposition senses their impending defeat, leading them to make disparaging remarks. Those who criticize us have already conceded this election. I anticipate ranking among the top five candidates with the widest victory margins in the Lok Sabha elections".

Shinde believes that people across the state are supportive of Chief Minister Shinde and his agenda of development.

"The completion of infrastructure projects by the Chief Minister across Maharashtra has raised the hopes and expectations of the people of Kalyan-Dombivali towards me. The MIDC area, where we are currently situated, was previously known for its poorly maintained roads. However, with an investment of Rs 100 crore, significant improvements have been made, visible to the people. As the son of the Chief Minister and an MP, there is pressure on me to ensure maximum funds for development, and we are committed to meeting these expectations".

Kalyan-Dombivli Development

Kalyan-Dombivli, being close to Mumbai and offering affordable property rates, attracts many middle-class migrants, making it densely populated. Consequently, issues like traffic, infrastructure, and sanitation arise. Shinde noted that he began addressing these concerns five to six years ago.

"Kalyan-Dombivli stands out as one of Maharashtra's most densely populated regions, where a large number of residents are concentrated in a relatively small area. The daily commute to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai exacerbates issues like traffic congestion and pollution. To address these challenges, our primary focus was on improving local rail transport. While previous administrations merely outlined plans for additional railway lines, we took concrete steps to implement them, resulting in expanded train services. Furthermore, we initiated projects to enhance existing railway stations, widen roads, and create alternative routes, all aimed at facilitating smoother traffic flow for residents".

"Our immediate focus is on enhancing the infrastructure of the Kalyan Shil Phata road in conjunction with the Metro line. Additionally, we are implementing an access control road that will connect to Bhiwandi and eventually to the Nashik Highway. Another significant project underway is the construction of a road linking the Nashik highway to the Navi Mumbai airport. These initiatives are aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving connectivity for residents," stated Shinde.

He further noted, "Looking ahead, we envision the development of a new urban center between Navi Mumbai and Kalyan, often referred to as the "third Mumbai." Given the steady rise in population, particularly with migrants from across the country settling here, there is a looming risk of water scarcity in the constituency. To mitigate this, the Maharashtra CM has proposed the construction of a dedicated dam for the area, with the MMRDA tasked to spearhead this crucial project".

In addition, as a dynamic youth leader, Shinde has outlined a comprehensive agenda tailored for the younger demographic. Given the presence of three MIDCs in his constituency, he is spearheading the establishment of a growth center. This facility will function not only as a training hub for youth but also as an incubator for nurturing startups. Additionally, it aims to facilitate industries in acquiring skilled manpower, thereby fostering economic growth and employment opportunities in the region.