Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made a bold prediction, stating the ruling Mahayuti coalition is set to capture mayoral positions in a dominant 27 out of the state's 29 municipal corporations. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will emerge as the single-largest party across all urban local bodies following the upcoming elections.
Development, Not Allegations, Drives Votes: CM
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur during election campaign events, Fadnavis emphasized that the anticipated performance is a direct endorsement of the alliance's development-focused governance. He dismissed opposition rhetoric as ineffective. "People do not vote on taunts or allegations. They vote on development," the Chief Minister declared. He described the prevailing political atmosphere as "clearly in favour of Mahayuti."
Fadnavis clarified that the mayors in these civic bodies would be elected from any of the three alliance partners: the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-headed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Dismissing Opposition Criticism
The CM directly addressed recent criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray, which was aired in an interview conducted by Sanjay Raut. Fadnavis labelled their attacks as politically insignificant.
"I don't take them seriously. In 25 years, they did nothing and have nothing to show," he said, referencing the period when the undivided Shiv Sena controlled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He accused the opposition of peddling "rumours and repeated narratives" because they foresee a comprehensive defeat in the polls.
"They sense 100% defeat, and that is why such politics is being done," Fadnavis added. He noted that past attempts to brand the ruling Shinde Sena as a "B team" had failed to sway voters during assembly elections and recent local body polls, predicting the same outcome for the corporation elections.
Governance Record and a Message to Representatives
At rallies and an interactive event in Nagpur, Fadnavis highlighted that the Mahayuti's track record of development works, infrastructure expansion, and civic improvements at both state and urban levels is shaping positive voter sentiment across Maharashtra's towns and cities.
He also delivered a pointed message to elected representatives, cautioning them against developing a sense of personal ownership over public life. He reminded them that legitimate power stems from public service, not from a feeling of entitlement.
In a personal anecdote, Fadnavis revealed his early ambition to become a barrister after studying law. "I wanted to go abroad, become a barrister and practise law. But in my final year of LLB, I became a corporator, and that wish remained unfulfilled," he shared. He now sees his role differently, describing himself as "a lawyer for the people" in the state legislative assembly.
The Chief Minister concluded by expressing confidence that voters would reject what he called recycled allegations lacking public trust, leading to a clear electoral picture in favour of the ruling alliance.
