Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday affirmed that he intends to remain in office until 2029 and dismissed any possibility of changes within the current ruling alliance, reported the PTI.
Speaking to the media during a Diwali interaction at his official residence `Varsha` in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis also took aim at the Opposition over concerns regarding the electoral rolls.
“As far as I know my party… Delhi is still far away. I will continue as Maharashtra CM till 2029,” CM Fadnavis said, brushing off speculation about a possible move to national politics, the PTI reported.
CM Fadnavis stated that the existing coalition of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP would remain intact.
“There will be no new partners or swapping of partners,” he stated clearly.
The senior Maharashtra BJP leader criticised the Opposition for alleging discrepancies in the electoral rolls ahead of the crucial Maharashtra local body elections, which must be held by 31 January 2026. He accused rival parties of attempting to delay the elections under false pretences, stating, “They haven’t given any valid objections or suggestions. Their intention is simply to create a perception and postpone the polls,” according to the PTI.
Reflecting on political rivalries, CM Fadnavis said he bore no ill will towards opponents and expressed hope for improved political relations following the 2024 assembly elections.
“Earlier, due to the political instability after the 2019 polls, there was an enmity-like atmosphere. Now, I have cordial relations with 99 per cent of political leaders,” he claimed, as per the PTI.
On speculation around a potential alliance between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis said, “If Raj says I brought the brothers together on the issue of Marathi pride, I take that as a compliment,” the news agency reported.
Responding to accusations that he orchestrated such an alliance to undermine Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis said both he and Shinde share strong individual relations with Raj Thackeray. “Just as I have a rapport with Raj, Shinde enjoys the same,” he said.
CM Fadnavis reiterated that the “Thackeray brand” refers solely to the late Bal Thackeray, founder of the Shiv Sena. He added, “Only ambitions and perceived injustice break political parties—not third parties like me,” the PTI reported.
On a possible cabinet reshuffle, the Chief Minister indicated a performance audit would be conducted soon as the government nears its one-year mark. “No minister is inefficient,” he added.
Regarding alliances for local body elections, Fadnavis said the ruling Mahayuti alliance will make politically strategic decisions. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, pre-poll tie-ups will be pursued, while post-poll alliances may be explored elsewhere in the state.
The BJP leader also touched upon the quality of infrastructure development in Mumbai, claiming it would last for 100 years and dismissing any concerns about structural flaws.
Commenting on Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, where he is a key campaigner, Fadnavis expressed confidence in the NDA`s performance, asserting there is no anti-incumbency sentiment against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
(with PTI inputs)
