In a strongly worded address to Shiv Sena party workers and legislators during a meeting in Dadar on Sunday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde issued a clear warning to his ministers and MLAs, urging discipline, accountability, and restraint amid recent controversies.
“Over the past few days, certain incidents have raised questions,” Shinde said. “People don’t blame you directly — they question me: ‘What are your MLAs doing?’ That reflects on me.”
Reaffirming his leadership role, Shinde told his team, “You are my people. We are one family. If your image is tarnished, mine is too. So don’t waste your energy on unimportant matters. Speak less, work more.”
Issuing a veiled yet firm warning, he reminded his colleagues of the consequences of misconduct: “Some ministers will have to resign due to public outrage. I don’t enjoy taking such actions against my own people. But don’t push me to a point where I must. I expect every one of you to maintain discipline and accountability.”
Shinde emphasised his grassroots approach to leadership: “I don’t behave like a boss, nor do I get angry. I consider myself a karyakarta (party worker), and you should too. No matter how many posts you hold, always remember: you are a worker first.”
He cautioned the gathering against complacency and external attacks: “We have achieved a lot in a short time. People are with us, and that has made some uncomfortable. That’s why they’re trying to defame us. Stay alert. Be cautious.”
“Public life demands discipline,” he concluded. “And we must uphold that — especially in the challenging times ahead.”
