Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 20 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's comment referring to Operation Sindoor as 'a small war', accusing the Congress party of speaking like Pakistan.

He highlighted India's strong stance against Pakistan and criticised the Congress for its past silence on terror attacks, such as 26/11.

While speaking at an event, Shinde said, '... When 26/11 attacks happened, not even a word was uttered by them... This time, India showed intolerance against Pakistan... Did they (Congress) show such will power?... These people are speaking the language of Pakistan...'

This comes after Kharge, in a veiled jab at Operation Sindoor, said that the government is going 'chutput' (small) wars against Pakistan.'Now, in these chhutput yuddha (small wars) that have taken place here and there, Pakistan has been downplaying India at all levels, particularly with tacit support from China,' said Kharge while speaking at the Samarpane Sankalpa rally in Karnataka.

Additionally, the dY cm announced the state's new housing policy, aiming to construct 35 lakh houses by 2030 with an investment of Rs 70,000 crore.

This initiative targets various categories and classes, including slum development through cluster development.

Speaking at an event, he added that the initiative would be inclusive, covering economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and working women. 'All sections of society-especially the economically weaker and low-income groups-have been included in this scheme,' Shinde said.

These homes will be rented for the first 10 years, after which ownership will be transferred to the respective individuals.

The state government has also developed an AI-based State Housing Information Portal to provide real-time information on housing availability and application status. This portal will help align housing demand and supply. People will know where houses are available and where they can apply, the deputy CM added.

Slum rehabilitation is also a key part of the new housing policy. 'Slums will be redeveloped through cluster development. We will also bring back original Mumbai residents who moved out...,' Shinde assured. (ANI)