Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has affirmed his commitment to remain in his current role until 2029, effectively dismissing any immediate aspirations for national politics. During a Diwali media interaction at his official residence in Mumbai, Fadnavis stated, "As far as I know my party, Delhi is still far away. I will continue as Maharashtra CM till 2029".
Fadnavis, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasized that the current ruling coalition in Maharashtra, consisting of the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), will remain intact. He firmly stated that there would be no new partners or reshuffling within the coalition, ensuring political stability in the state through the next elections. "There will be no new partners or swapping of partners," he asserted.
Having already served a full five-year term as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, the first non-Congress leader to achieve this milestone, Fadnavis expressed his desire for increased harmony among political parties. He noted that the political stability that has returned after the 2024 assembly polls has fostered a more cordial atmosphere among leaders, in contrast to the hostile environment that prevailed after 2019 due to political instability. "After the 2024 assembly polls, political stability has returned. Previously, due to instability post-2019, there was a hostile atmosphere among leaders. I maintain cordial relations with 99 percent of them," he said.
Addressing claims from the opposition regarding discrepancies in the state electoral rolls, Fadnavis accused rival parties of attempting to create negative perceptions ahead of the local body elections scheduled for January 2026. He also responded to rumors about a potential collaboration between Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray for the civic polls, commenting, "If Raj Thackeray claims I brought the two brothers closer on the issue of Marathi, I consider it a compliment". He further stated that the “Thackeray brand” is solely based on family power and not Maharashtra's progress.
Eknath Shinde, the current Deputy Chief Minister, echoed Fadnavis' confidence that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would secure victory in the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra. Shinde also defended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), denouncing recent efforts to restrict its activities as "unfortunate" and "condemnable," and lauding the RSS as a patriotic organization dedicated to public service.
In other news, the Mumbai civic body has announced a Diwali bonus of ₹31,000 for officers, school staff, and workers. Additionally, a Maoist leader, Bhupathi, has surrendered in Maharashtra, prompting Fadnavis to declare it the "end of the Naxal movement". Actor Akshay Kumar has also pledged to help redesign footwear for the Mumbai police to improve their health and well-being.
