Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp critique against opposition parties in Nagpur today. He accused them of consistently trying to weaken public confidence in India's electoral institutions. Fadnavis spoke to reporters after casting his vote in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections.
Fadnavis Confident of BJP Victory
The Chief Minister expressed strong belief that voters would deliver a clear mandate for the Bharatiya Janata Party. He made these remarks at Prabhag 15 polling station in Nagpur. Fadnavis argued that repeated allegations about voting procedures show political frustration rather than genuine democratic concern.
Opposition Following "Worn-Out Script"
Fadnavis stated that opposition parties keep questioning election processes despite losing legal battles. "They lost everywhere — in Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court — yet they continue spreading confusion," he said. The Chief Minister emphasized that such actions only strengthen BJP's conviction about imminent victory.
He warned that baseless doubts damage democratic institutions and erode public trust. Fadnavis described elections as a "festival of democracy." He stressed that voting represents both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility for all citizens.
Call for Maximum Voter Participation
The Chief Minister urged Nagpur residents to participate enthusiastically in the civic polls. "If we want to build a good city and a strong democracy, everyone must participate wholeheartedly," Fadnavis declared. He directly linked voter turnout with Nagpur's future development prospects.
Fadnavis dismissed opposition allegations about bogus voting in the elections. He affirmed complete faith in the State Election Commission's ability to conduct fair and transparent polls.
Warning Against Voter Intimidation
The Chief Minister addressed announcements from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena about deploying party workers at polling booths. He issued a stern warning against any attempts to intimidate voters.
"They don't have the capacity to intimidate voters either in Mumbai or Maharashtra," Fadnavis asserted. He added that police would deliver appropriate responses to any such attempts. The Chief Minister vowed to prevent any political party from terrorizing citizens during elections.
Transparency in Vote Counting
Regarding questions about additional equipment during vote counting, Fadnavis provided clarification. He stated that the State Election Commission and civic authorities already explained the system to all political party representatives. The equipment serves as a backup mechanism to prevent data loss during technical failures.
"There is complete transparency," Fadnavis emphasized. He reiterated that raising unnecessary doubts only weakens public trust in democratic institutions.
Polling Day Activities
Devendra Fadnavis cast his vote alongside his mother Sarita and wife Amruta. After voting, he visited multiple polling booths across his constituency. These included locations in Bajaj Nagar, Abhyankar Nagar and Cotton Market areas.
The Chief Minister interacted with BJP workers during these visits. He appreciated their efforts to ensure smooth and orderly voting processes throughout Nagpur.
No Respite on Polling Day
When asked if polling day offered any relaxation, Fadnavis responded negatively. He indicated that preparations for governance and future initiatives continue without pause. The Chief Minister confirmed his upcoming travel to Davos for the World Economic Forum.
This underscores the Maharashtra government's ongoing focus on attracting investment and driving economic growth. Fadnavis emphasized that development priorities extend beyond the current civic elections.
The Chief Minister avoided direct comments about Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. However, he reiterated his faith in Maharashtra's electorate. Fadnavis expressed confidence that voters would deliver clear verdicts favoring stability and development across the state.
