Fadnavis Condemns Opposition's Attempt to Polarize Voters on Linguistic Lines
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly criticized the UBT-MNS coalition on Wednesday. He accused the alliance, led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj, of deliberately trying to fuel a "Marathi versus Non-Marathi" narrative during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
Speaking to news agency ANI about attempts to polarize voters on linguistic lines, Fadnavis made his stance clear. He stated, "Marathi is my language. There must be development for the Marathi language." However, he questioned the opposition's definition of "development for the Marathi man."
Fadnavis asked whether this meant pushing Marathi-speaking people out of Mumbai or resorting to violence against workers. He highlighted his government's efforts, saying, "We brought the Marathi man back to Mumbai by creating jobs through infrastructure projects and built homes for the people." The chief minister added that voters are fully aware of these genuine efforts.
Hindutva Debate Takes Center Stage
Fadnavis also addressed the ongoing Hindutva debate in Maharashtra politics. He stated that Hindutva is the BJP's "soul" and has never been used merely as an electoral slogan. The chief minister criticized political rivals for distancing themselves from Hindutva purely for vote-bank politics.
He said these opponents must answer to the people for misleading Marathi asmita, or identity. Fadnavis claimed that his party has never sought votes by "flaunting Hindutva," describing the ideology as its very essence. He emphasized that Hindutva is deeply ingrained in Marathi society and that his party respects the traditions and beliefs of every community.
Indirect Swipe at AIMIM Chief Owaisi
Taking an indirect swipe at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Fadnavis referenced recent remarks about a woman wearing a hijab becoming mayor. He said that making claims about installing a mayor in hijab after forming an alliance with "Marathi Muslims" misleads the identity of the Marathi people.
Fadnavis explained, "But when someone forms an alliance with 'Marathi Muslims' and claims they will install a mayor wearing a hijab, and misleads the identity of the Marathi people, at that time, we have to explain what Hindutva really is. That is when we place the talk of Hindutva before the people."
Targeting Uddhav Thackeray Over Hindutva Stance
Fadnavis also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray directly. He accused Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva to appease a particular community for electoral gains. The chief minister addressed the issue of loudspeakers outside worship places, claiming his government fulfilled Balasaheb Thackeray's long-standing demand.
He stated, "We used the law and the Supreme Court to get loudspeakers removed. It is now clear that regardless of whose government comes to power in the future, loudspeakers cannot be reinstalled." Fadnavis added, "But those who claimed they would reinstall loudspeakers after coming to power are now 'licking boots.' They should be ashamed."
Confidence in Mahayuti's Civic Poll Prospects
The chief minister further highlighted that the Mahayuti alliance entered the civic poll campaign in a "serious and professional" manner from day one. He underlined that the BJP-led alliance fielded candidates from ordinary backgrounds.
These candidates included vegetable vendors, middle-class individuals, advocates, and even people without their own homes. According to Fadnavis, the campaign received an overwhelming public response, driven by the work showcased before voters. He expressed strong confidence that Mahayuti would secure a majority and claim mayoral posts in 26 of the 29 municipal corporations going to the polls.
Upcoming Civic Polls Across Maharashtra
These remarks come as Maharashtra heads into civic polls across 29 municipal corporations, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Voting for the BMC election 2026 will be held on January 15 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM across 227 wards.
Counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. The elections are seen as a significant test for all political parties in the state, with issues of Marathi identity and Hindutva taking center stage in the campaign discourse.
