Can Uddhav Rejoin BJP Alliance? Fadnavis Opens Up On Ties With Ajit Pawar, Mahayuti CM Face & More

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will secure a decisive majority in the Maharashtra Election 2024, refuting any need for support from political opponents like former chief ministers Sharad Pawar or Uddhav Thackeray. In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Fadnavis firmly was asked if the BJP would be willing to form an alliance with Uddhav Thackeray if such a need arises after the Maharashtra Election results. Fadnavis remarked, “We will not need their support. The people of Maharashtra will give us a clear mandate. The question doesn’t even arise.”

Maharashtra Election 2024: Fadnavis On Mahayuti’s Chief Ministerial Face

When asked about the Chief Ministerial candidate of the Mahayuti alliance, Fadnavis avoided giving specifics. “I always say the election is tough, but the Mahayuti will come back with a full majority. Who gets what—I don’t want to comment. The decision regarding the Chief Minister will not depend on the numbers or strike rate. The three leaders will come together and decide based on the situation,” he said.

The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister added that BJP National Secretary Vinod Tawde, who resides in Delhi, might have some information after the latter said there could be a surprise on the Chief Minister’s name. “I am a small leader from Maharashtra, and perhaps he spoke based on the information he had,” Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra Election 2024: Fadnavis On Ties With Ajit Pawar, Alleged Congress Letter On RSS Ban, ‘Ek Hain to Safe Hain’ Slogan

On the question of any strain in ties with Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis highlighted that the NCP chief has never spoken against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fadnavis elaborated, “Ajit Pawar opposed ‘Bantenge toh katenge (Divided, we perish)’, but supported ‘Ek hain to safe hain (United, we are safe)’. It’s about seeing a glass as half empty or half full. We are appearing together on stage every day, and his party knows our alliance is helping them win seats. There is no distance between us; everything is running smoothly.”

Addressing accusations of polarisation, Fadnavis said, “I have not tried to polarise. Out of 60-65 speeches, 90 per cent are about development. I only respond to certain points. When Congress agrees in writing to the demands from the Ulema, including 10 per cent Muslim reservation and even cases against Muslim riot accused from 2012 to 2024 to be withdrawn, I have to respond. They even demand a ban on the RSS; how can I stay silent?”

It must be noted that the Maharashtra Congress has rejected the alleged letter promising a ban on the RSS as fake. Addressing Congress’ dismissal, Fadnavis said, “The letter isn’t fake. When it went viral, Congress began responding. If it is indeed fake, they should conduct a forensic investigation.”

Fadnavis defended the ‘Ek Hain to Safe Hain’ slogan raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, explaining, “What is wrong with ‘Ek hain to safe hain’? Whenever we have been divided by caste and regions, the country has suffered. What the Prime Minister said is the safest path. I pity the intelligence of those objecting to this.”

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Responding to why issues related to Hindu-Muslim matters surface around elections, Fadnavis asserted, “Why don’t they make viral the 90 per cent of my speeches that focus on development? If you examine the content, 99 per cent is about development, schemes, and Maharashtra’s roadmap. But the media doesn’t highlight that.”