Devendra Fadnavis Reacts to Thackeray Brothers’ Rally: "I Was Held Responsible for Their Unity"
After the grand Raj-Uddhav Thackeray Victory Rally in Worli, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis broke his silence, reacting sharply to the barbs aimed at him during the event. Responding with a mix of sarcasm and political rebuttal, Fadnavis claimed that he is being credited—ironically—for uniting the Thackeray brothers and fulfilling the dream of late Balasaheb Thackeray.
Earlier in the day, Raj Thackeray, addressing the massive crowd, remarked, "What Balasaheb couldn’t achieve, what no one else could do, Devendra Fadnavis managed to do—by bringing Uddhav and me together through the issue of grain farmers." The statement was a pointed jibe at the BJP leader, indirectly blaming him for the rekindled unity between the once-rival cousins.
Responding to the statements, Fadnavis said, “Both the Thackeray brothers attacked me, and now I’m being credited for their coming together. If that’s the case, then I must be receiving Balasaheb's blessings. I thank Raj Thackeray for holding me responsible for their unification.”
However, the Chief Minister didn’t stop at sarcasm. In a scathing counter, Fadnavis said, “This was not a celebration of Marathi pride—it was Rudali (a display of mourning). The speeches were filled with bitterness and jealousy. In the past 23 years of municipal rule, what real work has been done for the Marathi cause? The situation has only worsened.”
Fadnavis accused the Thackeray brothers of ignoring Marathi language issues during their speeches. “Not a single word about Marathi was spoken. Instead, all I heard was ‘Elect us, bring down their government,’” he said, adding that the entire tone of the event reeked of the pain of electoral defeat.
Without directly naming Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis emphasized that Hindutva and inclusivity remain the guiding principles of his party. “Whether Marathi or non-Marathi, Mumbaikars are with us. Our Hindutva is one that includes everyone,” he concluded.