Eknath Shinde urges Dahanu voters to unite against “arrogance” in heated pre-poll speech
At a rally in Dahanu, Eknath Shinde called for unity against arrogance, indirectly targeting the BJP’s local candidate ahead of the Nagar Parishad election.
Dahanu, Palghar, | Nov 22, 2025 – :
Eknath Shinde addressed a packed gathering in Dahanu, delivering a sharp message aimed at rallying voters ahead of the Nagar Parishad election. Without naming anyone directly, he urged people to unite against “arrogance,” a remark widely interpreted as a reference to the BJP’s candidate in the local contest. His speech set the tone for what is shaping up to be an intense battle in Palghar district, where shifting alliances and local rivalries often influence outcomes more than party labels.
Shinde told supporters that arrogance has never survived in politics or society, saying that it eventually destroys those who carry it. The reference drew loud reactions from the crowd, which included workers from his Shiv Sena faction and allied groups. He reminded voters that December 2 would be the day they could send a clear message about the kind of leadership they want for Dahanu. The symbolism of the speech was deliberate: a call for collective action rather than a direct attack that might alienate certain voter blocs.
The election for Dahanu Nagar Parishad has seen strong positioning by both his faction and the BJP, with each attempting to consolidate influence in the region. The BJP has fielded a well-known local face for the president’s post, while Shinde’s faction is backing its own candidate with the claim that broader support from community and local leaders is moving in their favour. Shinde’s remarks are seen as a bid to strengthen this momentum and energise his core supporters.
Residents in Dahanu say the political temperature has risen noticeably in recent days. Ongoing issues such as water supply, stalled development works, local employment prospects and neglected civic facilities are driving public sentiment. Many felt Shinde’s emphasis on unity and dignity was designed to tap into concerns that local leadership must be more accountable and open to people’s voices.
Political observers note that Shinde’s strategy in Palghar mirrors his wider approach in other parts of Maharashtra: portraying his faction as a grounded, people-centric force while criticising rivals for perceived high-handedness. Using indirect criticism rather than naming individuals gives him space to appeal to undecided voters who may be unhappy with local leadership but still lean toward the BJP at the state level.
The rally has also placed pressure on the BJP’s local organisation to respond. Insiders say the party may step up its campaign in Dahanu to counter the narrative of arrogance and highlight its candidate’s track record. With elections only days away, both sides are expected to intensify booth-level and door-to-door outreach.
Shinde’s appearance in Dahanu also signals the importance his camp attaches to the region. Palghar has become a competitive district where local polls often forecast trends for the next electoral cycle. Strong turnout at his rally has given his team confidence, but the final outcome will depend on how effectively both parties translate crowd enthusiasm into votes.
As campaigning continues, the focus will shift toward turnout, micro-level alliances, and voter mobilisation on polling day. Shinde’s message of resisting arrogance has added a sharp edge to the local narrative, and how voters interpret that message on December 2 will determine the political balance in Dahanu.
