Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis found himself in an unusual situation on Friday while attending a prestigious literary event. His active use of a mobile phone while seated on the dais at the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Satara raised eyebrows among the audience.
The Reason Behind the Phone Calls
Addressing the gathering later, Chief Minister Fadnavis offered a candid explanation and an apology. He clarified that his unusual conduct was driven by political exigency. Friday was the final day for withdrawal of nomination papers for the ongoing municipal corporation elections, and a significant rebellion had erupted within his own party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as well as in other political groups.
"I usually don't speak over the phone while on the dais," Fadnavis stated. He elaborated that he was personally contacting party workers who had filed nomination papers against the official party candidates, urging them to withdraw. "Rebellion has erupted in all parties and they don't listen unless persuaded," he added, justifying his urgent actions.
A Multitasking Chief Minister's Assurance
While apologizing for the distraction, the Chief Minister assured the literary audience that he was still engaged with the event. He described himself as a "Bahushrut" or multitasker, claiming he was simultaneously listening to the speeches of other dignitaries on stage even while managing the political crisis over the phone.
This incident highlights the intense pressure on political leaders during election periods, where last-minute negotiations and crisis management often override protocol. Fadnavis's direct involvement in persuading rebels underscores the high stakes for the BJP in the local body polls.
Celebrating Local Electoral Success
Later on the same day, the Chief Minister attended another event organized by the Satara district BJP unit. This function was held to felicitate the newly-elected presidents of nagar parishads (city councils) and councillors from the district.
During his address here, Fadnavis highlighted the BJP's growing strength in urban local bodies across Maharashtra. He revealed that the party now has more than 120 presidents of such councils statewide, supported by a cadre of over 3,000 elected councillors. This data points to the party's deepening grassroots reach and organizational success in municipal governance.
The day's events in Satara, therefore, painted a dual picture: a leader grappling with internal party challenges during a heated election cycle, while also celebrating the party's established successes in local governance. It showcased the continuous and demanding nature of political management in India's vibrant democracy.
