Maharashtra chief minister Devandra Fadnavis pitches development vision, takes dig at ally Shiv Sena at BJP’s rally for Ambernath Municipal Council polls in Mumbai | Mumbai News

Ambernath: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday addressed a massive BJP rally in Ambernath, a stronghold of Shiv Sena chief and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, sending out a strong political message ahead of the December 20 municipal council polls. The election has turned into a prestige battle, particularly between BJP and Sena, which are contesting separately despite being allies at the state level. Shinde has scheduled a rally in Ambernath on Thursday.Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis indirectly targeted the ally Shiv Sena, asserting that Ambernath now needs a municipal council free from “intimidation, excesses and non-transparent functioning.” He appealed to voters to elect a BJP-led council on December 20, ruled by Sena for many years, stating that the party does not believe in petty political squabbles but works with a clear and long-term development vision. “We are not a party that indulges in ‘you-versus-me’ politics. We move forward with a vision of development,” the chief minister said.Highlighting the BJP-led government’s focus on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Fadnavis said earlier UPA governments concentrated only on Mumbai, neglecting surrounding urban centres. “After becoming chief minister, we consciously shifted attention to the MMR. Whether it is Ambernath or Badlapur, we have sanctioned substantial funds for roads, water supply and basic infrastructure,” he said.Fadnavis noted that projects worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore are currently underway across the MMR. He pointed out that through the MMRDA, work on a 370km Metro network has begun, which will significantly transform regional connectivity. He announced that Metro Line-14, proposed between Badlapur and Kanjurmarg, would directly benefit Ambernath, with work expected to begin next year. He also assured improved suburban rail services, promising to take up the demand for extending 15-coach local trains up to Ambernath with the Railway Ministry. He said efforts would be made to increase train frequency to one every 10 minutes. Recalling his own experience as a local train commuter, Fadnavis said future suburban trains would be fully air-conditioned and enclosed, similar to Metro coaches, without increasing fares.On the issue of water scarcity, Fadnavis acknowledged that rapid urban expansion in the MMR has strained existing resources. He said the state government has initiated the construction of two new dams, including the Poshir and Shilar project, which will be completed within two years and help resolve long-standing water issues in the region.Positioning the BJP as future-oriented, Fadnavis said the party aims to transform the MMR into one trillion-dollar economy. He urged voters to elect BJP president candidate Tejashree Karanjule, asserting that stable leadership at the civic level is essential to accelerate development.The Ambernath Municipal Council falls within the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Eknath Shinde’s son MP Shrikant Shinde, who is also actively campaigning and mobilising party workers to ensure a strong performance for the Shiv Sena.In the 59-member Ambernath Municipal Council, both BJP and Shiv Sena are not only aiming to secure the maximum number of corporator seats, but are also focusing on winning the directly elected president’s post for the first time. The presence of senior leaders from both sides has further intensified the contest, making the electoral battle more keenly fought.