Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prospects, stating that the political rivalry posed by the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, does not concern the ruling alliance. In a candid interview aired on Friday, Fadnavis predicted a decisive victory for his party and downplayed the significance of the Thackeray name in current politics.
No Fear of a Thackeray Alliance, Says Fadnavis
Fadnavis explicitly stated that the potential unification of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) holds no electoral advantage now. He argued that such an alliance would have been formidable back in 2009, but the situation has drastically changed. The BJP leader pointed out that the vote share of both parties has dwindled significantly, claiming neither the Marathi community nor non-Marathi voters are inclined to support them.
He further explained that the voter bases of the Sena (UBT) and MNS largely overlap, meaning their coming together does not expand their reach. "Our votes never moved; they remained constant," Fadnavis asserted, highlighting the BJP's stable support. He also mentioned existing friction between workers of the two parties, suggesting a lack of cohesive ground-level unity.
Credit for Mumbai's Infrastructure Push
Shifting focus to development, CM Fadnavis laid claim to the execution of major infrastructure projects in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). While acknowledging that projects like the Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) were conceived decades ago—citing a 1962 proposal by JRD Tata—and that the coastal road was a favourite of former CM Prithviraj Chavan, he insisted they only materialised under his leadership.
"I studied the projects, understood the problems, held at least five meetings with the Centre, and got clearances for the Atal Setu and coastal road," Fadnavis detailed. He emphasised his proactive role, stating he pursued the coastal road matter right up to the Supreme Court to see it through. In a pointed remark, he contrasted his approach with that of the Thackerays, whom he labelled "small-minded," and recounted an incident where Uddhav Thackeray conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the coastal road without informing him, the then Chief Minister.
Clarity on Mumbai's Leadership
On the contentious issue of Mumbai's mayoral post, Fadnavis provided a clear and unambiguous answer. He confirmed that the mayor would be from the ruling Mahayuti alliance and specified that the individual would be both a Hindu and a Marathi. This statement sets clear expectations for the city's top civic position amidst ongoing political negotiations.
Fadnavis concluded by underscoring the BJP's "time-tested" development vision against the opposition's lack of tangible achievements. His comments, made in a recent online interview, solidify the BJP's assertive stance as political competition in Maharashtra intensifies.
