Political Row Intensifies Over CM Fadnavis's Davos Trip Amid 'Picnic' Jibe
A political controversy has erupted and intensified over Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's visit to the Davos Summit, with his wife Amruta Fadnavis issuing a sharp rebuttal to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. Amruta Fadnavis asserted that the trip was strictly for business purposes and that the Chief Minister was not in Davos for a leisurely picnic, as alleged by the opposition leader.
Amruta Fadnavis's Strong Rebuttal
In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Amruta Fadnavis described Sanjay Raut's comments as "baseless" and defended her husband's rigorous schedule. "I can never understand his (Raut's) language. But I will only say this much that someone who goes for a picnic does not hold conferences and meetings daily from 6 AM to 11 PM to bring investment to India and Maharashtra, and boost employment," she emphasized. Her remarks highlighted the demanding nature of the Chief Minister's engagements at the World Economic Forum, aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation.
Sanjay Raut's Critical Remarks
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had earlier taken a swipe at the Chief Minister's visit on Wednesday, dismissing it as a "picnic" and questioning the relevance of the global summit for Indian states. The MP from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction further suggested that state leaders were utilizing public funds to attend the event, claiming that Indian industries travel to Davos, meet chief ministers, and sign agreements at taxpayers' expense. "They go to Davos every year. They should tell the nation and their states how much is spent on their travel. This could have happened sitting in Mumbai. If the figures being given are true, then I welcome them," he added, casting doubt on the necessity and cost-effectiveness of such international trips.
Raut further claimed that Chief Minister Fadnavis would only turn his attention to pressing local issues, including the Mumbai mayoral election, after returning from Switzerland, implying a disconnect between the Davos visit and ground-level governance.
CM Fadnavis's Davos Agenda and Political Context
Devendra Fadnavis is currently in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, having departed on Sunday, 11 January, as per reports. This visit comes on the heels of the BJP-led Mahayuti combine's significant success in the recent municipal corporation elections, where the saffron party emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, securing 89 seats. The Chief Minister's trip to Davos, occurring days after these high-stakes elections, underscores a strategic focus on both local political victories and global economic outreach.
When questioned about who would become the mayor of Mumbai, Amruta Fadnavis responded that it would be a Marathi person, as reported by PTI, adding another layer to the ongoing political discourse surrounding leadership and regional identity in Maharashtra.
The intensifying row reflects broader tensions in Maharashtra's political landscape, with the Davos visit becoming a focal point for debates over governance priorities, public expenditure, and the balance between international engagement and domestic responsibilities.
