Away from the rising temperature, both political and atmospheric in Mumbai, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday clarified that he was not on leave but was busy with official work in Satara district. To boost his claim, the Chief Minister’s Office also tweeted that he (the CM) cleared as many as 65 files through video-conferencing on Tuesday.
“I am not on leave. I never go on leave. Currently, I am doing double duty. The reports that I was on leave are wrong. I am busy with work, meeting people, holding meetings with officials and reviewing development works in the district,” Shinde told reporters at his Dare village in Mahabaleshwar taluka of Satara district.
The village is located about 25 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar where the maximum temperature remains on the lower side during summer season compared to other parts of the state which is in the grip of severe heat conditions. Mahabaleshwar is currently overcrowded with tourists from across the country.
Taking a jibe at Uddhav Thackery, Shinde said, “Those who sat at home during their tenure as Chief Minister should not advise me.”
Citing his busy schedule, the Chief Minister said, “During a meeting with officials, I reviewed the ongoing development works in the hill station of Mahabaleshwar…I directed the officials to ensure that the tourists get all the facilities,” he said, adding that he also reviewed the work of Tapola-Mahabaleshwar road and laid the foundation stone of a stretch of road.
The CM said, “I’ve come here, I am meeting people and holding janata darbar. I am going to the fields and closely observing the ongoing farming work here.”
When asked under whose leadership the 2024 elections will be fought, Shinde said, “We will be at the helm for one-and-a-half years. We will fight elections as Mahayuti. Do not worry. Some people have not been able to digest the way we have been working since we came to power.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office tweeted that Shinde cleared as many as 65 files through a video conferencing with officials in his office. “He also gave necessary directives to the officials concerned,” the CMO tweeted.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) had claimed that Shinde was keeping a low profile and was hardly audible after it emerged that BJP had offered chief ministerial post to Ajit Pawar. “And that is the reason why Shinde has disappeared to native place in Satara,” it said.