Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File | Photo credit: PTI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday warned the Congress that its repeated allegations of vote-stealing and EVM tampering without evidence would only accelerate its electoral downfall.
Speaking at the inauguration of the BJP’s new regional office in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Mr. Fadnavis said the party should “stop relying on baseless claims” and instead focus on issues that matter to the people. His remarks came after the Congress won just six seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly elections.
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“The nation continues to put its faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People reject the false narrative of the opposition,” he said, adding that failure to substantiate the charges before the Election Commission or the courts would lead to similar defeats in the upcoming local polls.
He urged BJP leaders to forge alliances with Mahayuti partners in the state whenever possible, but asserted that the party would contest independently if needed.
Mr. Fadnavis also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhava Thackeray and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar over protests against the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar water pipeline project, alleging that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government had stalled the plan. “I don’t understand what kind of people or leaders these are. They are the ones who stopped the program during their regime and now they are holding protests and criticizing the government. What I want to say is that the state has now agreed to bear the municipal share of ₹800 crore to ensure the completion of the project.”
Highlighting Marathwada’s industrial push, Mr Fadnavis called the city the emerging “EV capital of India” and announced ₹740 crore for land acquisition and airport expansion. He said that almost 70% compensation for the flood affected farmers has already been credited to their accounts.
During his day-long tour, the Chief Minister unveiled the Lotus Lake (Kamal Talao) through the online system, consecrated the statue of freedom fighter Swami Ramanand Tirtha at Kranti Chowk and inaugurated the statue of former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik at the CIDCO bus stand.
Mr. Fadnavis paid tribute to Vasantrao Naik, hailed as the architect of the Green Revolution in Maharashtra, saying he pioneered water conservation and drought eradication during the Great Drought of 1972, strengthened food security and promoted education for underprivileged children, including the Banjara community. “His work set an ideal benchmark that gave Maharashtra a new direction.”
At Swami Ramanand Tirth, Mr Fadnavis noted his role in liberating Marathwada from Nizam rule and said his sacrifices “will continue to inspire generations”.
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Published – 16 Nov 2025 14:56 IST
