Mumbai : Shiv Sena will mark its 58th anniversary on June 19. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde convened a meeting at the official residence 'Nandanvan' to discuss preparations, with party ministers, MLAs, and office bearers from across the state in attendance. Shinde commended those present for maintaining the party's strongholds in Chhatrapati Sambhaji nagar, Konkan, Thane, and Palghar during the Lok Sabha elections.
He emphasized the need to kick off preparations for the Legislative Assembly vigorously. The party outperformed the opposition in the Lok Sabha elections, securing victory in 9 out of 22 contested seats, while the opposition won 7 out of 15 contested seats. Shiv Sena's win rate stood at 48%, outshining the opposition's 42%. Notably, in Mumbai, we garnered 2 lakh more votes than them, indicating strong public support.
Shinde cautioned against the opposition's dissemination of misinformation during the election and urged against its use in the assembly. Shinde encouraged the enthusiastic celebration of Hindu festivals like Ashadhi Wari, Dahi Handi, Ganpati, Dussehra, and Diwali. He instructed the welcoming of palanquins departing for Wari and the provision of dyndas, along with the installation of Shiv Sena placards in villages, wadis, and settlements.
He also urged the establishment of Shiv Sena branches in various locations, with this year's party anniversary scheduled to take place in Goregaon. Shinde directed the mobilization of a minimum of 20 thousand Shiv Sainiks for the event. Given the extreme temperatures reaching 50 degrees in some parts of the state, the government will launch a tree plantation campaign across all districts.
Each district has been tasked with planting one lakh trees, and a similar initiative has been proposed on behalf of the party. Chief Minister Shinde confirmed that saplings will be distributed by the party as part of this endeavor.