Fadnavis Hits Back at Raj Thackeray, Credits Modi for Mumbai’s Transformation

By A Staff Reporter

Solapur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during a public address in Solapur, launched a sharp counterattack on MNS chief Raj Thackeray, following recent political developments involving the Thackeray brothers. Fadnavis thanked Raj for giving him credit for the apparent political reconciliation between Uddhav and Eknath Shinde, saying, "I must be getting the blessings of Balasaheb Thackeray."

He dismissed the opposition’s recent rally as a "rudaali" (a professional mourner’s wail), stating that the gathering lacked any meaningful message on Marathi issues. “Not a single word was spoken about Marathi,” he remarked. Fadnavis criticized the Shiv Sena faction for failing to bring tangible progress to Mumbai despite ruling the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for 25 years. In contrast, he asserted, “We changed the face of Mumbai under the leadership of PM Modi.”

Hitting back at accusations of neglecting Marathi identity, Fadnavis emphasized the BJP’s cultural stance. “We are Marathi, we are proud of being Marathi, and we are proud of the Marathi language. But at the same time, we are also Hindus. Our Hindutva takes everyone along,” he declared.