Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing BJP workers at a rally in Wardha on Monday, laid out a detailed strategy for the upcoming local body elections and strongly criticized the opposition for running what he called a “misinformation campaign” due to their inability to match the BJP’s development record.
Grassroots Dominance Stressed
Fadnavis confirmed that the Mahayuti alliance—which includes the BJP and its allies—will contest the upcoming local body elections together. However, he emphasized that BJP workers must ensure the party’s "undisputed dominance" is visible at the grassroots level.
“We will contest the Zilla Parishad, Nagar Palika, and possibly the Municipal Corporation elections as part of the Mahayuti. Local-level decisions will be decentralized, and wherever issues arise, party workers must consult with leadership,” Fadnavis said.
No Criticism of Alliance Partners
He instructed party workers not to criticize alliance partners even in constituencies where seat-sharing is not possible, stressing unity across the alliance.
“In 2017, despite being in government with us, Uddhav Thackeray would target us daily. We must not repeat that mistake. Where Mahayuti is not possible, contest in a friendly manner. But remember—our goal is to establish the BJP’s dominance at every level,” he asserted.
Call for Unity Within BJP
The Chief Minister also addressed internal disputes within the party, calling on leaders and cadres to put aside differences ahead of the elections. “There are minor disputes in some districts—these are not serious. BJP is a family. Just as brothers sometimes argue, these things happen. But before elections, we must sit together and resolve everything. Many parties collapsed because internal fighting weakened them. We must not let that happen to us,” he warned.
Fadnavis issued a clear message: anyone trying to sabotage the party from within would be dealt with firmly. “If someone tries to drag the party down, the party will drag them down instead,” he said.
Opposition Accused of Spreading Misinformation
The CM reserved sharp criticism for the opposition, accusing them of being unable to counter the government’s development agenda and resorting instead to spreading lies and negativity.
“The opposition cannot challenge us on development. They know that, which is why they create false narratives. This was their strategy even during the assembly elections. But we reached the people with our work and vision, and they trusted us,” Fadnavis said.
Defends Public Security Bill
Referring to the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, he defended the legislation while alleging that most opposition leaders hadn’t even read it.
“Ninety-nine per cent of those opposing the Bill have not even read it. They falsely claim it is unconstitutional or meant to suppress dissent. It’s nothing but political fear-mongering,” he added.
