'Public has shown they are standing with those who work': Eknath Shinde takes a jibe at MVA, brings up EVM row

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday criticised the state Opposition bloc MVA for boycotting the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet Ministers of the elected Mahayuti government.

Taking a jibe at the Shiv Sena (UBT)-NCP (SP)-Congress alliance, Shinde said that the Opposition in the state couldn't even manage to get a Leader in the Assembly.

"The situation is such that the opposition did not even get a leader of LoP. The public has shown that they are standing behind the people who work. We had invited them (opposition) and I thought they would come (to the oath taking ceremony). The public has boycotted these people. They took us lightly for 2.5 years," said Shinde.

On EVM row

Shinde also addressed the Opposition's allegations around the functioning of EVM machines. He mentioned the letter given on EVMs and pointed out that where INDIA bloc wins, they don't bring up the voting machines.

Moreover, Shinde added that INDIA alliance blames the Election Commission of India where they lose but keep quiet when they win.

"A letter has been given regarding EVM. Everyone has seen the work we did. 86 cabinet meetings were held and 850 decisions were taken. Even after this, we will work as a team. After winning in Karnataka, Jharkhand and these places, they say that EVM is good and if they lose, they blame the Election Commission. We will nurture everything that has been given to us..." Shinde said.