Mumbai, Jul 14

Terming the recent claims by former union Home Secretary R V S Mani regarding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as "deeply disturbing," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday demanded a high-level, impartial investigation into the alleged ISI-Congress conspiracy.

Addressing a press conference following a marathon Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister pivoted from this grave national security concern to announce a massive development roadmap for the state. Among the key decisions, the government has cleared a landmark expansion of the 'Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana-2026,' which is set to benefit approximately 56 lakh farmers by removing previous eligibility barriers and offering new incentives for regular repayment.

Fadnavis also sought to settle the brewing controversy surrounding the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), categorically dismissing opposition allegations of land privatization. He clarified that MSRTC would retain full ownership of its assets, with surplus land slated for development under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure the long-term financial viability of the state’s transport network.

The Cabinet further approved a new "Monetization Policy" to boost the revenue of local self-governing bodies and sanctioned the implementation of the central "Urban Challenge Fund" to accelerate infrastructure projects in cities. Notable regional initiatives included a Rs 24.95 crore modernization package for the Beed District Sports Complex and the establishment of an international-grade agricultural market in Dahanu (Palghar), spanning 558.43 hectares.
Refuting political attacks from the opposition, the Chief Minister dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the state’s handling of paper leaks as "ill-informed" and labeled Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s recent political posturing as "hollow."

Other administrative decisions included doubling the rehabilitation grant for acquitted prisoners from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 and approving critical amendments to the Maharashtra Minor Mineral Extraction Rules, 2013, to improve regulatory transparency.

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Mumbai, Jul 13 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has added another milestone to his political career, with his name now being etched among the top three longest-serving Chief Ministers of the state, BJP state chief spokesperson Navnath Ban said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Ban said that Fadnavis, who had earlier completed a consecutive five-year term as Chief Minister, had earned the distinction due to the blessings of Maharashtra's 140 million people.

He expressed confidence that Fadnavis would eventually emerge as the state's longest-serving Chief Minister.
"Devendra Fadnavis, who has served as Chief Minister on three occasions, has consistently received public support because of the many decisions he has taken in the interest of Maharashtra. There is no doubt that he will go on to set a new record as the longest-serving Chief Minister,” Ban said.

Describing Fadnavis as an "infrastructure man", Ban said Maharashtra was well aware of his contributions. He added that Fadnavis also holds the record for implementing the highest number of farm loan waivers. Public welfare projects such as housing in Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) chawls, the Atal Setu, the Mumbai Metro network, the Coastal Road and the Samruddhi Mahamarg, had been undertaken during his tenure, he said.

Launching a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Ban questioned what achievements could be attributed to him. He accused Raut of adopting a pro-Pakistan stance and alleged that Uddhav Thackeray had abandoned the ideology of his father for electoral gains.

Referring to the Ladki Bahin scheme, Ban questioned why Raut had been critical of the initiative since its launch. He warned that opposition to the scheme could invite the ire of its beneficiaries. He also alleged that the Congress had approached the courts seeking to halt the programme.

"As long as the BJP-Mahayuti government remains in power, no one will be able to discontinue the Ladki Bahin scheme. Beneficiaries currently receive Rs 1,500 per month, and we remain committed to fulfilling our electoral promise of increasing the amount to Rs 2,100," he declared.

Ban also criticised Raut and Uddhav Thackeray for sharing political space with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. He alleged that the Samajwadi Party had a history of violence against devotees during the Ayodhya movement, while accusing the Congress of having denied the existence of Lord Ram.

Commenting on recent remarks by senior leader Sharad Pawar, Ban said Pawar had praised Fadnavis for his decision to announce a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh despite there being no elections at the time. He claimed that while Pawar was taking all parties along, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction was increasingly becoming isolated within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Taking another swipe at Sanjay Raut, Ban said the Shiv Sena (UBT) had been weakened politically and alleged that only Raut and Uddhav Thackeray remained at the forefront of the faction.

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Mumbai, Correspondent

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra Chief Spokesperson Navnath Ban on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, alleging that Raut has weakened Aaditya Thackeray's political standing by welcoming former MLA Sachin Ahir's return to the original Shiv Sena.

Ban claimed that Raut's public expression of satisfaction over Ahir's departure from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction suggested a deliberate weakening of Aaditya Thackeray's camp. He further alleged that Raut was aware Aaditya Thackeray could face a tough contest in retaining the Worli Assembly seat in the next Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The BJP leader also accused Raut of repeatedly undermining Uddhav Thackeray's leadership by claiming that the party had failed to identify loyal workers. According to Ban, such statements project Uddhav Thackeray's leadership as weak and are aimed at laying the groundwork for a possible merger of Shiv Sena (UBT) with the Congress.

Responding to Raut's criticism of the BJP, Ban said Raut should refrain from lecturing others on political history, alleging that "betrayal" has become synonymous with the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut.

Praising Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Ban said the Mahayuti government remains focused on accelerating Maharashtra's development and transforming the state into the country's top-performing economy.

On Raut's allegations regarding financial irregularities, Ban asserted that anyone found guilty in the Ram Temple donation controversy would face action in accordance with the law. He also accused the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of financial mismanagement and demanded accountability from its leaders.

The remarks come amid escalating political exchanges between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and Shiv Sena (UBT) over recent political developments in Maharashtra.

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Pune, June 17, 2026

Maharashtra is set to transform into a global supply chain hub with the proposed Mumbai–Pune Bullet Train reducing travel time between the two cities to just 48 minutes and the development of a dedicated freight rail corridor connecting major ports and industrial clusters, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the advanced manufacturing expansion facility of Jabil at the Ranjangaon Industrial Area near Pune, Fadnavis highlighted the state's vision of integrating Mumbai and Pune into a single economic region while strengthening logistics infrastructure to support global manufacturing and exports.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, MLAs Dilip Walse Patil and Dnyaneshwar Katke, Principal Secretary of Industries, Investment and Services Department Dr. P. Anbalagan, Jabil Executive Vice President (Operations) Andy Priestley, Chief Minister's Advisor Kaustubh Dhavse, Jabil Managing Director B. N. Shukla, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and MIDC Joint CEO Varsha Thakur-Ghuge.

Maharashtra Emerging as India's Data Center and Electronics Hub

Fadnavis said Maharashtra is rapidly emerging as India's leading data center destination, with nearly 60 percent of the country's data center capacity being developed in the state. The government is committed to building a complete industrial ecosystem around data centers, deep technology, electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, and chip production.

He noted that Maharashtra has already secured a leading position in electronics exports and that the electronics cluster approved by the Central Government will further accelerate industrial growth and investment.

Dedicated Freight Corridor to Strengthen Global Connectivity

The Chief Minister revealed that he has proposed a dedicated freight rail corridor linking Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) and the upcoming Vadhvan Port through the Samruddhi Mahamarg corridor. The proposed network would extend to dry ports in Jalna and Wardha and further connect to Gadchiroli, significantly reducing logistics costs by an estimated 7–8 percent.

"This initiative will position Maharashtra as a critical node in the global supply chain network," Fadnavis said.

According to the Chief Minister, Maharashtra contributes nearly 14 percent to India's Gross Domestic Product and accounts for approximately 20 percent of the country's exports.

Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing Driving Growth

Highlighting India's manufacturing progress, Fadnavis said the advanced technologies and precision-driven production at Jabil's new facility symbolize the growing strength of India's electronics sector.

"After achieving self-reliance in mobile phone manufacturing, India is now making significant strides in semiconductor and chip manufacturing," he said.

The Chief Minister assured industries of full government support, emphasizing that the state views industries as partners in growth. He also announced a positive consideration for establishing a dedicated office of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) in the Ranjangaon industrial region.

Fadnavis further reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order in industrial areas and strengthening policing infrastructure to ensure a secure business environment.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights India's Electronics Revolution

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised Jabil's Pune facility and reiterated the government's commitment to making India a trusted global electronics manufacturing destination.

He said reforms introduced by the Maharashtra Government, particularly in land and industrial policies, have significantly improved the investment climate.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's electronics manufacturing industry has grown to nearly ₹13 lakh crore, with electronics becoming the country's third-largest export category, Vaishnaw said.

The minister also emphasized the importance of quality manufacturing, skill development, and precision engineering in making India a global leader in electronics exports. He noted that four semiconductor projects are currently under implementation in the country.

Mumbai–Pune and Pune–Hyderabad High-Speed Connectivity

Vaishnaw stated that several major railway projects are underway in Maharashtra. The proposed Mumbai–Pune Bullet Train will reduce travel time to just 48 minutes, while the Pune–Hyderabad high-speed corridor could enable travel in approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes.

He described these projects as part of a broader industrial and infrastructure transformation taking place across India.

Jabil Expands India Operations

Jabil Managing Director B. N. Shukla said the company's manufacturing footprint in India has expanded significantly over the past year, increasing from 500,000 square feet to 1.2 million square feet. Employee strength has also grown from 5,000 to nearly 11,000.

Executive Vice President Andy Priestley said the new facility will bring together highly skilled talent and advanced engineering capabilities, enabling faster production of high-quality products and supporting future growth in India's electronics manufacturing sector.

Solapur: A fresh debate has emerged over the location of the proposed IT Park in Solapur after Maharashtra Industry Minister Uday Samant stated that the project should be developed within the city limits. The minister announced that a meeting of concerned officials will be held on July 10 to review the proposal and finalize the way forward.

The IT Park project was announced for Solapur by Devendra Fadnavis. Following the announcement, the district administration had submitted a proposal to the state government for establishing the IT Park on land belonging to the Water Resources Department along Hotgi Road, near Solapur city.

Since the proposed site falls under the jurisdiction of the Water Resources Department, the land is expected to be transferred to the Revenue Department after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). It would then be handed over to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for the development of the IT Park, as per earlier directions issued by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

However, during his visit to Solapur on June 12, Industry Minister Uday Samant reiterated that the IT Park should ideally be located within the city, reigniting discussions over the project's final location.

Officials said several sites, including Hiraj, Kumbhari, the old mill area, and Hotgi, were inspected before the Hotgi site was shortlisted. The proposed IT Park is expected to be developed on approximately 50 acres of government land currently owned by the Water Resources Department.

₹40 Crore Project Receives Preliminary Approval

According to officials, the proposed IT Park is expected to require an investment of around ₹40 crore. A detailed project proposal has already received approval from a high-level state government committee.

The Hotgi site was initially earmarked for a logistics park. However, the land is now being considered for the IT Park project, which is expected to boost investment, employment opportunities, and the growth of the technology sector in Solapur.

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NEW DELHI, CORRESPONDENT

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his position in building a new, self-reliant India is unshakeable and that Maharashtra's development has received a revolutionary new direction during his twelve-year tenure. The Chief Minister congratulated PM Narendra Modi on behalf of Maharashtra for achieving the historic milestone of serving 4,399 consecutive days as the elected Prime Minister of the country—the longest tenure to date.

The Chief Minister was speaking during a media interaction at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi today. Emphasizing that PM Modi's 4,399 days in office are not just numbers on a calendar but a significant era of India's holistic development, the Chief Minister said that during this period, monumental work was done to lift crores of citizens out of poverty. An unprecedented network of roads, railways, ports, airports, expressways, and modern infrastructure has been built across the country. India has made a giant leap in the economic sector, securing its place among the world's leading economies. To benefit farmers, irrigation projects were fast-tracked, and record investments were made in water conservation and agricultural development.

The concept of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) is visibly turning into reality across the country today. In the defense sector, India has marched toward self-reliance and proven its capabilities to the world. India, which was once a major importer of weapons, has now become a country exporting defense equipment worth thousands of crores of rupees. Through UPI and digital payment systems, India has set a global benchmark for the digital revolution. Centering his governance around the motto ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage), PM Modi has successfully balanced economic progress with cultural heritage. The Chief Minister stated that India's progress has received a new direction due to his visionary leadership.

Central Support for Maharashtra's Infrastructure

Expressing gratitude for the substantial cooperation Maharashtra received from PM Modi over the last twelve years, the Chief Minister said that the Central Government has provided massive support to several ambitious irrigation projects in the state, Vadhavan Port, an extensive network of highways, metro projects, railway modernization, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and various other infrastructure projects. Projects that once existed only on paper are now becoming a reality.

Along with this, PM Narendra Modi's sensitivity in resolving Maharashtra's water scarcity issue is truly commendable. During the severe drought of 2015, he paid special attention to strengthening schemes like 'Jalyukt Shivar' and took the initiative to complete 100 pending dam projects in Vidarbha and Marathwada.

"It is Maharashtra's good fortune to have a leader who works with such sensitivity and promptness on our state's issues. On behalf of the 12.5 crore people of Maharashtra, I heartily congratulate our beloved and popular Prime Minister and wish him a healthy, long, and successful life," the Chief Minister expressed.

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Mumbai, Jun 10

The political atmosphere in Maharashtra has intensified following a sharp exchange between Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) President Sharad Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over recent remarks made by BJP leader Girish Mahajan during his Punjab visit.

Mahajan had triggered controversy by alleging that the Congress had committed atrocities against the Sikh community. Responding to these comments, Sharad Pawar had criticized Mahajan, alleging that such statements bring disrepute to the country.

Countering the criticism, Chief Minister Fadnavis launched a scathing attack on the Congress. "It is an undeniable truth that the massacre of Sikhs took place in Delhi and across India under the leadership of the Congress. We will continue to condemn these atrocities for the rest of our lives," Fadnavis asserted while speaking to reporters here.
Clarifying the context of Mahajan's visit, the Chief Minister stated that the BJP leader was invited by the Punjab government to acknowledge the Maharashtra government's efforts in organizing grand events for the 300th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Sikh Guru.

"Girish Mahajan was only there to pay respects. He was present at the event for a very short duration and was completely unaware of the background photographs displayed at the venue. His speech focused solely on the contributions of the Sikh community and the Central government's efforts to integrate them into the mainstream. He also expressed concern over the rising drug menace in Punjab. His statements should not be viewed through a political lens," Fadnavis explained.

During the same interaction, Chief Minister Fadnavis lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting a new record by completing 4,399 days as the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India.

"This is not just a duration of time; it is a golden era during which the blueprint of India's progress has been written," Fadnavis said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Modi-led government, the Chief Minister stated that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty during this period. He further credited the Prime Minister for the massive expansion of infrastructure, including highways, railways, ports, and airports.

"India has climbed to become the world's fourth-largest economy. We have seen an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) taking shape. From being a major importer of arms, we are now exporting thousands of crores worth of defence equipment. Furthermore, India’s UPI digital payment gateway has been adopted by 30 countries across the globe," he added.

Fadnavis further noted that in the last 12 years, the Central government has provided immense support to Maharashtra, including funding for the completion of nearly 100 dams and the realization of long-pending projects like the Vadhavan Port, Navi Mumbai Airport, and extensive Metro networks.

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Editorial by Rahi Bhide

Though Manoj Jarange ended his fast for Maratha reservation, the pressing questions still linger: What exactly did the Maratha community gain from this agitation? And how will the government’s ordinance affect the OBC community? On one hand, some claim the ordinance offers the Marathas nothing substantial. On the other, some in the OBC community view it as a threat to their own reservation rights. As a result, both communities have decided to challenge the ordinance in the High Court, revealing a deep sense of unease.

Jarange Patil launched his fast demanding eight key points, including blanket reservation for the Maratha community and withdrawal of cases against protestors. The government accepted six of these, leading to the suspension of the fast. There was celebration among Marathas; however, just like during the earlier Khargar protest, the government responded with an ordinance essentially identical to the previous one. While Jarange and his supporters expressed satisfaction, many legal experts have opined that the ordinance offers nothing concrete in terms of actual benefit.

Notably, even as the government assured withdrawal of criminal cases, police registered fresh cases against protestors returning from the rally. This contradiction has cast doubt on the government’s intent. Earlier, Eknath Shinde had taken the lead in addressing such protests; this time, Devendra Fadnavis relied on Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who consulted with legal experts and mediated between Jarange and the state. Eventually, both sides took a step back, possibly pressured by the looming threat of judicial scrutiny, to bring the protest to a close.

Still, the real question remains: What did the Maratha community truly gain? Many argue that the government conceded only administrative adjustments like extending deadlines for genealogy verification and implementing the Hyderabad Gazette. These steps, though significant on paper, raise the question of why the government waited until protests reached Mumbai before acting.

Jarange’s indefinite fast at Azad Maidan pushed the government to enforce the Hyderabad Gazette and permit the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to certain Marathas. However, this move has sparked confusion within the Maratha community what exactly does it mean for them? Meanwhile, among OBCs, there's growing concern that this could dilute their own reservation share. Jarange warned the government not to deceive the Marathas again, but leaders like Vinod Patil and others claim deception has already occurred. Yet, Jarange remains optimistic, asserting that the GR (Government Resolution) will ultimately benefit the Marathas.

This optimism is not shared by all. OBC leaders in the state burned copies of the resolution in protest. Chhagan Bhujbal, despite being part of the cabinet, vocally opposed the ordinance and is preparing to challenge it in court. He even boycotted a cabinet meeting in protest. Nevertheless, he has urged the OBC community to maintain restraint and pursue legal avenues instead of public agitation. While Fadnavis emphasized that only individuals with documented ancestral records would receive Kunbi certificates, Chandrashekhar Bawankule chairman of the OBC subcommittee publicly contradicted him, stating that the Hyderabad Gazette is effectively useless in proving Kunbi lineage. These conflicting statements have only fueled confusion within the Maratha community.

Adding to the tension, Prof. Laxman Hake launched an “OBC Reservation Protection Yatra,” while Babanrao Taywade, president of the OBC Mahasangh, undertook a hunger strike, asserting that the ordinance poses no threat to OBC rights. However, contradictory opinions within both Maratha and OBC groups indicate that a climate of uncertainty prevails across communities.

To ensure that the government doesn’t appear biased toward the Marathas, a cabinet subcommittee under Bawankule was formed to address OBC concerns. It includes ministers from all major ruling alliance parties. Still, internal disagreements persist. While Pankaja Munde claims the Hyderabad Gazette does not undermine OBC rights, Bhujbal maintains a contradictory stance.

The GR itself includes a clause that permits individuals without land ownership proof to submit affidavits affirming local residency. These affidavits, if supported by Kunbi-certified relatives, can lead to certificate issuance. OBC leaders are particularly alarmed by this clause, fearing that Marathas could infiltrate the OBC quota using such provisions.

Now, even among Maratha reservation advocates, there's growing skepticism. Many believe the GR offers little more than symbolic assurance, a situation summed up by former Justice B.G. Kolse Patil’s harsh remark: "It’s like digging a mountain and finding a mouse." He criticized the state for offering vague policies and wiping the Maratha community’s face with empty promises.

Under current rules, any claim to reservation must be backed by documentary evidence dated prior to 1967. The GR does mention requirements for landless or farm laborer Marathas, but it also requires in-depth verification through field officers like revenue officials. Only those who already have genealogical records or family references from the Hyderabad Gazette will benefit. What about those whose families have no such documentation? What is their future?

Ultimately, the editorial underscores a painful irony: despite dramatic protests, fasting, negotiations, and apparent breakthroughs, the tangible gains for the Maratha community remain ambiguous, while fears among the OBCs grow. Once again, the state finds itself entangled in the complexities of reservation politics with more questions than answers, and more confusion than clarity.

So, in the end — what was truly gained?
A pertinent question that continues to echo across Maharashtra.

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By Rahi Bhide

The Maharashtra government is now facing the consequences of how burdensome the promise of reservation can be. The storm led by Manoj Jarange has hit Mumbai, triggering political chaos. Leaders like Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar are in power, and earlier promises to grant reservation to the Maratha community are now under pressure. If the government provides reservation following the community’s aggressive stance, it risks alienating OBC votes. Jarange insists that the Maratha and OBC categories are one and the same, prompting the government to explore ways to resolve this impasse.

Manoj Jarange Patil, the face of the Maratha reservation movement, began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on Friday. He warned that he would not back down until the government meets the community’s demands. His ultimatum — “Either give reservation or shoot me or let me die on the hunger strike” — is becoming a major challenge for the Mahayuti government led by Fadnavis. Jarange demands that all Marathas be issued Kunbi certificates under the OBC category.

After the Maratha community took to the streets under Jarange’s leadership, the OBC community also began demonstrations, fearing the division of their quota. There’s a perception that OBCs are being supported by Fadnavis, fueling tensions. Jarange and other agitators are now targeting him, while Fadnavis insists that his cabinet’s subcommittee is working on a constitutional solution.

Jarange has led this movement for years and calls this his “last battle,” vowing not to step back until Marathas are included under the OBC quota. Aggressive remarks by leaders like Adv. Gunaratna Sadavarte, Prof. Lakshman Hake, and Gopichand Padalkar have further inflamed sentiments, complicating the situation. The government’s image is at stake as such rhetoric escalates conflicts.

Jarange’s demand for all Marathas to be issued OBC certificates cannot be ignored — nearly 5.4 million people have already received Kunbi certificates due to his movement. The committee led by Justice Sandeep Shinde reviewed historical records, including the Hyderabad Gazette, and verified community ties like intermarriage to support these claims.

Currently, OBCs constitute 52% of the population with a 27% quota. If 30–35% of Marathas are added, it could leave 85% of the population fighting for the same quota, intensifying opposition. This has led to a growing divide between the Maratha and OBC communities.

Interestingly, the Muslim community has also demanded reservation for Marathas, recalling recommendations like the Rane Committee’s proposal for a 5% quota, which was never implemented. Similarly, Fadnavis had promised inclusion of the Dhangar community among tribals but failed to deliver even after two terms.

With various communities unsettled, the government faces a daunting challenge in navigating social and political complexities. The Maratha community, making up nearly 33% of Maharashtra’s population and facing socio-economic disadvantages, seeks fair representation in jobs and education.

The movement under Jarange has presented multiple hurdles for the government. Besides anger stemming from past incidents like the Kopardi rape-murder case, opposition from the OBC community and support from rival parties like Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) is putting additional pressure on the ruling alliance.

The Maharashtra government’s handling of the Maratha reservation demand could shape its political future, as resolving this sensitive issue requires careful negotiation and consensus-building.

Pune, City Correspondent

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale voter fraud. Responding to these allegations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that in recent times, Rahul Gandhi seems to have contacted scriptwriters Salim-Javed to write his speeches. “This script is highly entertaining and is being recited everywhere, but beyond the entertainment, there is nothing substantial in it,” Fadnavis commented. “All his claims are purely fictional,” he added.

Fadnavis was speaking at the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) in Pune, where he was present as the chief guest for various programs. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also attended the event. During the interaction, CM Fadnavis was asked about Rahul Gandhi’s remarks.

The Chief Minister further said, “Rahul Gandhi is now claiming issues in the voter list, but we have been pointing this out for years. He doesn’t understand what a comprehensive revision of the voter list means. He is merely trying to find excuses for his electoral losses.”

Commenting on the recent INDIA alliance meeting, where Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, and Sanjay Raut were seen seated in the last row, Fadnavis took a dig at the opposition. He said, “With us, they were always in the front row sometimes even ahead of us. This shows the kind of respect they enjoy now. They used to proudly proclaim that they would never bow before Delhi or lay down the red carpet for Delhi, but it is truly painful to see their current condition despite not even being in power.”

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