Maniesh Paul has a candid podcast with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde as the latter promises to make Mumbai ‘pothole free’

The actor-host, Maniesh Paul hosted a podcast recently with none other than honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. In the past, the actor has hosted celebrities like Govinda, Anu Malik, Farah Khan, Sushant Divgikar, and Prajakta Koli, to name a few. In the recent episode of his podcast, he sat down with a politician, who featured in a podcast for the first time, the duo is also said to have engaged in an insightful conversation.

One notable moment in the conversation was when Maniesh Paul asked the CM about his childhood aspirations, wondering if he had ever dreamt of becoming a Chief Minister or if he was inspired by the Bollywood movie Nayak, where a common man rises to the position of Chief Minister. The CM said, “Film film hai, reality reality hai aur kuch bhi nahi (while films may inspire, reality is reality and nothing else). He revealed on how his journey stemmed from grassroots involvement, both socially and politically, wherein he highlighted his dedication, hard work and focused determination, emphasizing that success comes through diligent effort and commitment to one’s goals.

Maniesh also posed a question, drawing parallels between reel and real life where he compared the proactive approach of Anil Kapoor’s character in Nayak to the CM’s hands-on approach to governance. Maniesh commended his work, such as personally investigating the water-logging sites in Mumbai, leading to significant improvements.

The conversation also touched upon pressing issues concerning Mumbai, such as the state of its roads. While discussing, Maniesh asked the CM when the city will become pothole-free. Responding to the question, the CM said, “Pehle mai CM nahi tha. Tab BMC mai kaun kaam dekhta tha aapko pata hai. Ab jab main CM ban gaya tab main commissioner ko bulaya. Har baarish mai logo ko gaddha ka saamna karna padta hai, bahut face karna padta hai. Yeh 10-15 saal main, ye jo repair work har baarish main karte hai baarish se pehle, kitne kharch hue, bole Rs 3500 cr (I was not the CM earlier. Everyone know who looked after the work in BMC. After I became a CM, I called the commissioner and asked him, ‘Every monsoon people have to face potholes. How much has been spent in the last 10-15 years for repair work on the roads before monsoon?’ He said Rs 3500 cr”.

 

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Maniesh was shocked by the cost and pointed out that the roads were no better, despite the investment. To this, the CM added, “Yehi toh daal mai kaala tha, black main white main black, ye sab chaalu tha. Maine unka dhandha bandh kard diya. 700-800 kms ke road concrete ke ho jaayenge, toh inka har saal ka woh band. Logo ko jo milna hai suvidha unko milni chahiye, iske upar mai kaam kar raha hu (This is what was wrong with it. The entire process of turning black money to white and vice versa. I have stopped all of it now. As and when the roads become concrete, then all the under-the-table things they receive will be stopped. People should get their amenities and facilities they pay for and I will strive to work towards that).”

The CM further went on to promise that, “Agle 2-2.5 years mai Mumbai complete pothole free hojayegi. 100 percent. (In the next two to two and half years, the city will become pothole free).”

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