Mumbai: In an interview with ABP News and other media outlets, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid out his strategic vision for the state. His messaging was clear: it will be a blend of Hindutva and development, both intrinsic to the BJP’s platform, which will shape Maharashtra’s future.
Central to Fadnavis’s rhetoric is the BJP’s brand of Hindutva, which he described as “a way of life” rather than a rigid religious doctrine. This position, he argued, is an essential facet of the party’s identity, aimed at fostering cultural unity. “Hindutva is not bound by rituals. Muslims have their own religious practices, and we should not narrow the concept,” he said, reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s inclusive approach.
A Wider Cultural Ethos
He framed Hindutva as part of a wider cultural ethos rather than a divisive force, asserting it was a foundation of the BJP’s broad appeal. However, Fadnavis did not shy away from attacking the opposition, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He accused the coalition, specifically Congress, of compromising Hindu sentiments by reportedly collaborating with controversial figures like Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani to drop riot-related cases dating back to 2012. This, he claimed, fuelled a voter backlash, contributing to the surge in turnout to 66.05%, up from 61.1% in 2019. “When you try to suppress someone, they rise strongly,” Fadnavis said, implying that Congress’s perceived overreach provoked a strong defensive response from Hindu voters.
The Chief Minister also mentioned how campaign tactics reflected the socio-political undercurrent. Referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “batenge toh katenge” slogan, which emphasised unity or division, Fadnavis noted how it segued into Modi’s own “ek hain toh safe hain” message. In the heat of the campaign, Fadnavis had taken on the opposition’s rhetoric with his own call for a “dharma-yudh of votes” to counter claims of “vote-jihad,” making it clear that Hindutva was central to the BJP’s mobilisation strategy. Fadnavis also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a subtle barb, saying, “Those who used to be scared of going to temples for fear of losing Muslim votes are now frequently visiting them.” This pointed comment underscored the shift in political behaviour and symbols, implying that even the opposition was adapting to the electorate’s preferences.
On Development
As regards development, the Chief Minister’s first priority is to tackle the pressing issue of drought, with four major projects already approved to bolster water management and agricultural resilience. “These projects will benefit agriculture, create jobs, and move Maharashtra toward a sustainable future,” he stated. Alongside these water initiatives, Fadnavis underscored the state’s shift towards sustainability, aiming to achieve 52% renewable energy consumption by 2030. “Green energy is not just an environmental imperative but an economic one,” he asserted, framing it as essential for Maharashtra’s long-term prosperity.
Respect For Allies
The interview also confirmed an impending cabinet expansion before the December 16 winter session in Nagpur, which Fadnavis described as a “process of finalisation” that respects the interests of all three coalition partners: BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. “The three parties in the alliance will all be respected in the cabinet,” he reassured, dismissing concerns about internal strife and underscoring that discussions were progressing smoothly. In addition to infrastructural and political plans, Fadnavis highlighted his aim to rejuvenate cross-party dialogue, which had been dormant since 2019. “I will try to establish a dialogue with all political leaders,” he stated, a gesture signalling both openness and a strategic pivot to ensure smoother governance.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Reflects On The Success Of The Mahayuti Alliance
Reflecting on the success of the Mahayuti alliance, he credited PM Narendra Modi’s “ek hai toh safe hai” slogan and schemes such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana for galvanising voter support. These initiatives resonated deeply with the electorate, adding weight to the BJP’s broader messaging. “PM Modi’s slogan caught the imagination of the people,” Fadnavis noted, affirming the enduring influence of the party’s unified stance.
As the Chief Minister for the third time, Fadnavis hinted at personal growth, saying, “I have changed for the better since 2014.” This admission could signal not just a shift in approach but a readiness to navigate complex political terrains and foster alliances with a broader intent. The Mahayuti alliance’s resounding victory has set a high bar for Fadnavis’s tenure. With cabinet reshuffles underway and a focus on policy-driven development alongside a strategic embrace of cultural themes, Maharashtra’s chief executive is poised to set the state on a path marked by ambition and ideological conviction. Whether he can maintain this balance without sparking internal dissent or external opposition remains a critical question for his leadership.
