Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis firmly dismissed all speculation surrounding Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's absence from a crucial cabinet meeting in Mumbai on Saturday. He addressed reporters in Pune after attending the welcome ceremony for the Pune Grand Tour cycling event.
Advance Notice Given
Fadnavis revealed that Ajit Pawar had informed him well in advance about his inability to attend. "We all met on the night of the voting day," Fadnavis stated. "Ajit Pawar said that very day he would not be able to come for the cabinet meeting and the function here today because the Governor was visiting him." This clarification came amid swirling rumors about the deputy chief minister's non-attendance.
On NCP Alliance and Pune Elections
When journalists informed Fadnavis about the Saturday morning meeting between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, and their decision for both NCP factions to contest Zilla Parishad polls together, the Chief Minister offered a succinct response: "Good."
Ajit Pawar's NCP remains part of the Mahayuti government at both state and central levels. However, he chose to join forces with NCP (SP) to contest against BJP in the recent Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections. This alliance ultimately failed to challenge BJP effectively, with the latter securing a decisive majority in both civic bodies.
Who is Pune's Dada Now?
Reporters pressed Fadnavis on whether Pune voters had rejected Ajit Dada. The Chief Minister carefully framed his answer. "I will not say that," he responded. "I will say that Puneites accepted BJP, its workers, and Modiji." He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the electoral success.
When asked who now deserved the title of Pune's Dada, traditionally used for Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis turned the focus to citizens. "Pune's people are the 'Dada' and we all are their sevaks," he declared, using the Hindi word for servants.
Development Agenda Prevails
Fadnavis elaborated on the broader political message from the elections. "People of Maharashtra decided they would side with those who support Modiji," he asserted. "Voters have shown other parties, be it Congress or anyone else, that the agenda of development will work here."
He challenged the narrative about the ruling party eliminating opposition. "Instead of asking if those in power are eliminating opposition, one should ask the opposition if it will play the role of the opposition," Fadnavis suggested.
On Opposition Responsibility
The Chief Minister drew from his own experience to outline what opposition parties should do. "I spent many years in the opposition, most recently in 2019," he recalled. "I performed the role of opposition leader for two-and-a-half years despite our party having maximum seats."
He stressed that effective opposition requires genuine effort. "When one is in the opposition, one has to interact with the public and raise their issues," Fadnavis explained. "No opposition party takes shape by sitting at home."
BJP's Electoral Performance
Fadnavis highlighted BJP's impressive electoral achievements. Referring to BJP's 89 seats and Shiv Sena's 29 in recent elections, he noted that the undivided Shiv Sena had not achieved such numbers in the past three elections. "We have broken the record of the undivided Shiv Sena," he said proudly. "We have a full majority. The next Mumbai mayor will be from Mahayuti."
He also commented on other political dynamics. According to Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena gained nothing from its alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) in the elections, just as he had predicted.
Power-Sharing in BMC
The Chief Minister was scheduled to depart for Davos to attend the World Economic Forum on Saturday night. A final decision regarding the power-sharing agreement in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will likely wait until his return next week.
Shiv Sena functionaries have expressed their expectations. They believe it would be fair for BJP to share the mayor's post with their party, ensuring that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde maintains "respect" within the alliance. The BMC mayor's term lasts for two-and-a-half years.
Shinde Felicitates Corporators
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde honored all newly elected BMC corporators at a five-star hotel in Bandra West. Sena corporator Amey Ghole shared details about the event. "Deputy Chief Minister Shinde will personally guide the corporators in a three-day workshop at the hotel," Ghole announced.
