Explaining his move to quit Congress and join Eknadh Shinde-led Shiv Sena, senior leader Milind Deora has said that he decided to switch sides as the Maharashtra Chief Minister “believes in my potential”. In a long statement issued on X after formally joining Shiv Sena, he said that the state has witnessed significant progress under the Ekhnath Shinde government and the current changes in Indian politics “reaffirm egalitarian values”.
“Today we are seeing that an ordinary tea seller is the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy and an autorickshaw driver is the Chief Minister of the second-largest state of the country. This change is making Indian politics better, and reaffirms our egalitarian values,” Deora noted.
He said, “Eknath Shinde ji is one of the most hardworking and accessible Chief Ministers of the country. His understanding of the deprived sections of Maharashtra and his efforts to improve governance and infrastructure are commendable.”
The 47-year-old leader also said that the visions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah inspire him.
“I am inspired by his [Shinde] vision for a prosperous future for Mumbai and Maharashtra, and I aim to support his efforts. Similarly, Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji’s visionary ideas for India inspire me to contribute,” the former Congress leader said.
Deora said, “I want to work with a leader who values creative ideas, recognises my abilities and wants to utilise me in Parliament for the progress of the country and the state. Eknath Shinde ji believes in my abilities and is a symbol of the fact that even impossible things can be possible with hard work.”
Criticizing the Congress, Deora said that he was sidelined by the party, even during crucial political decisions.
“Despite being sidelined, my commitment to maintaining my family’s enduring relationship with the Gandhi family and the Party remained steadfast. For ten years, I made every possible effort for the Party in various roles without aspiring for personal position or power,” he said.