Thu Oct 02 17:09:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde used his Dussehra address to highlight his government’s support for flood-affected farmers, criticize Rahul Gandhi’s remarks perceived as pro-Pakistan, and attack his political rival Uddhav Thackeray and the Shiv Sena (UBT). Shinde emphasized development projects and the importance of the Marathi population in Mumbai, while asserting the dominance of his Shiv Sena in upcoming local elections. He accused Thackeray of abandoning Bal Thackeray’s Hindutva ideology for political gain and predicted the decline of Thackeray’s influence.

**News Article:**

**Shinde Slams Gandhi, Touts Farmer Aid at Shiv Sena Dussehra Rally, Sets Stage for Local Elections**

**Mumbai, October 2, 2025** – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde used the platform of his Shiv Sena’s annual Dussehra rally to deliver a scathing critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his political rival, Uddhav Thackeray, while highlighting his government’s efforts to assist flood-affected farmers.

Addressing a large crowd at the Nesco Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai, Shinde accused Gandhi of “speaking in the tongue of Pakistan,” referencing Gandhi’s questioning of the Indian military’s capabilities. He challenged Shiv Sena (UBT) for critiquing Operation Sindoor.

Shinde also took aim at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing Thackeray’s visit to flood-affected areas as a mere “courtesy” and questioning his commitment to providing genuine aid. “What right does he hold to criticize us, when he goes around empty-handed? Did you even take a biscuit packet? All you could see is our face on the food kit.”

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the importance of his government’s relief efforts for farmers impacted by recent floods, stating that Shiv Sena workers had actively assisted in cleaning homes and providing essential supplies. He invoked the ideology of the late Bal Thackeray, emphasizing a commitment to social work alongside political action.

Looking ahead to upcoming local elections slated for early 2026, Shinde asserted that his Shiv Sena would maintain its dominance in local bodies, including Zilla Parishads, Gram Panchayats, and Municipal Corporations. He dismissed Shiv Sena (UBT)’s campaign focused on the Marathi Manoos (Marathi-speaking people) as a “repeat tape” and pledged to prioritize the Marathi population in Mumbai through housing projects and urban development initiatives. He criticised Thackerays actions of having thrown them out of Mumbai.

Shinde also addressed rumors of a potential alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), urging party workers to remain focused and unfazed by political maneuvering. He labelled Uddhav Thackeray a “conspiracy chief” who neglects his own party cadres.

The Dussehra rally, a traditional event for Shiv Sena, serves as a platform to outline the party’s agenda and mobilize supporters. Shinde’s address this year clearly signals the battle lines for the upcoming local elections, with the focus on development, Marathi identity, and the legacy of Bal Thackeray.

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