Devendra Fadnavis rules out alliance with Uddhav Sena, backs Eknath Shinde for full term

Fadnavis reiterated his support for Deputy CM Shinde, also denying any internal conflict within the ruling coalition.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly ruled out any likelihood of a political alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT).

The current ruling alliance in the state will continue to remain intact, he affirmed, during an interaction in an upcoming episode of Aap Ki Adalat.

Fadnavis noted, “There will be no alliance with Uddhav Ji. The present combination will continue. We have 232 MLAs in a 288-member Assembly.... there’s no space for others.”

Clarifying recent speculation around a meeting with Thackeray, Fadnavis said the conversation was absolutely formal.

“He came with a delegation to request the Leader of the Opposition post. We spoke in an open room with an open heart. But there was no political offer or talk of an alliance.”

Fadnavis also reiterated his support for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, also denying any internal conflict within the ruling coalition. “Shinde Ji is not unhappy. Our government will complete five years with full strength and coordination,” he asserted.

In that context, when he was questioned who would lead the government if the BJP secured a majority in the next Assembly election as well, the Maharashtra CM confirmed it had always been decided post-2022 that Shinde would be CM.

“He displayed immense courage during the political crisis. I proposed his name to ensure support from his MLAs," stated the Chief Minister.

About the split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Fadnavis describes it as a family feud. “Only Chacha and Bhatija can answer that. Why should I comment on someone else’s wedding?” he said, referring to the rift between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.

Looking back at past controversies in the state's political discourse, he also revisited the 80-hour government formed with Ajit Pawar in 2019, claiming that Sharad Pawar had initially agreed to the plan. “Everything was decided with his concurrence. However, eventually, he backed out, while Ajit Pawar stayed.”

Acknowledging the criticism surrounding the BJP’s alliance with leaders previously accused of corruption, including Ajit Pawar, he said, “We compromised to stay politically relevant, but our ideology remains the same. Not a single investigation has been halted. In Modi Ji’s government, even allies aren’t spared.”

Discussing the infamous Shiv Sena split, Fadnavis blamed Uddhav Thackeray for the conflict, saying he alienated his own MLAs. “They couldn’t meet him. He was busy appeasing Congress. That’s why leaders like Eknath Shinde felt ignored.”

Speaking about his recent comments about Aurangzeb and the “Jago Hindu Jago” campaign, Fadnavis remained defiant. “Aurangzeb was a tyrant, not our hero. Those who praise him do not belong to this land.”

He defended the use of the slogan “Jago Hindu Jago,” saying it had cultural roots in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. “It was sung during the Ram Mandir bhoomi poojan. It has emotional resonance,” he said, before reciting parts of the song.