The celebrations are over, and it is time to get to work. That was the unequivocal message delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday as he addressed the 29 newly elected Shiv Sena corporators at the Taj Lands End. Setting a high bar for performance, Shinde made it clear that the voters’ trust must now be repaid with visible, on-ground action.
In a candid interaction, the Shiv Sena chief laid out a rigorous daily regimen for his team. His primary instruction was simple: wake up early. Shinde urged the corporators to start their day by touring their respective wards, insisting that a representative must be seen among the people, not hidden behind office doors. The goal is to identify issues firsthand before citizens even have to complain.
“The opportunity given by the voters must be turned into gold,” Shinde told the gathering. He emphasised that the only way to make their wards the best in Mumbai is through direct engagement and mastering the basics. He directed the team to focus immediately on the “bread and butter” issues of civic life – regular water supply, efficient solid waste management, and spotlessness. He called for deep-cleaning drives to ensure that the change in administration is reflected on the streets.
Beyond basic maintenance, Shinde pushed for upgrades in local infrastructure. He asked the corporators to draft proposals for new markets, gymnasiums, and sports complexes, aiming to improve the overall quality of life in their neighbourhoods. He also stressed the need to upgrade local healthcare services, ensuring that the development narrative reaches every household.
The meeting also touched upon the broader political landscape. Shinde took a sharp dig at the UBT faction, noting that the election results were a victory for development over emotional rhetoric. He reminded his team that the people of Maharashtra have rejected stagnation in favour of the Mahayuti government’s progressive agenda. To that end, he instructed them to aggressively implement state decisions, such as the ‘Pagdi-free Mumbai’ initiative and expediting Occupancy Certificates (OCs) for stuck buildings.
Ending on a note of humility, Shinde warned his corporators against arrogance. He insisted that no genuine request for help should ever be refused and that no citizen should leave feeling unheard or hurt. For the new Shiv Sena team, the marching orders are clear: zero complaints, maximum visibility, and a steadfast focus on development.
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