During a farewell ceremony for Ambadas Danve in the Maharashtra assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stirred both amusement and political intrigue. Addressing Uddhav Thackeray, who was present, Fadnavis extended a tongue-in-cheek invitation for Thackeray to “come over,” implying a potential political realignment.
This audacious overture immediately resonated with NDA members in the house, who erupted in loud laughter, highlighting the dramatic tension between the former allies. In stark contrast, the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp, including Uddhav Thackeray himself, maintained a stony silence, their expressions betraying no hint of reciprocation or amusement. The moment underscored the deep divide in Maharashtra politics, leaving observers to ponder the true intent behind Fadnavis’s public jest and the unyielding stance of the Thackeray faction
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis injected a dose of humor and political intrigue into the state assembly today with a very public “invitation” to Uddhav Thackeray. The playful overture, however, was met with a stoic silence from Thackeray and his party.
The moment unfolded during the farewell ceremony for Ambadas Danve, the Leader of Opposition and a prominent member of Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction. Addressing Thackeray directly, who was also present in the House, Fadnavis declared, “Look Uddhav Thackeray-ji, there is no scope of (our) going there (in the opposition) till 2029… But if you want to come over here, then consider it… it depends on you… it can be considered.”
Fadnavis’s NDA colleagues in the house erupted in laughter at the audacious suggestion. Not missing a beat, Fadnavis then lightheartedly added, “Ambadas Danve may be anywhere, but his real thoughts are right-wing,” further entertaining the assembly.
These comments immediately ignited massive speculation across Maharashtra’s political circles. While discussions about a potential reunion between the erstwhile allies have been ongoing, and numerous reports suggested the BJP was sending feelers to the Uddhav Thackeray faction, this marked the first time the Chief Minister had made such a direct and public comment. His statement has undoubtedly added a significant new layer to the complex political dynamics of the state.
It Can Be Considered’: Fadnavis Publicly ‘Invites’ Uddhav Thackeray To Join Mahayuti
The Uddhav Thackeray faction has consistently met any overtures or discussions about reuniting with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with outright disdain. Uddhav Thackeray himself, who had a brief encounter with Devendra Fadnavis on the assembly premises earlier in the day, later dismissed the Chief Minister’s public invitation, stating that such remarks are often made in jest and should be perceived as such. His immediate reaction underscored the deep ideological and personal fissures that have emerged since the Shiv Sena’s split.
However, sources within political circles suggest that Mr. Fadnavis’s seemingly lighthearted comment might carry a deeper, more strategic intent. Party insiders indicated that the invitation could serve as a calculated maneuver to keep Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in check, particularly with the crucial civic elections looming.
Public “Invitation” to Uddhav Thackeray
Mr. Shinde, who leads the rival Shiv Sena faction, has reportedly faced challenges in reining in some of his more outspoken leaders, such as Sanjay Gaikwad and Sanjay Shirsat. Their public statements and actions have, at times, caused considerable embarrassment for the ruling Mahayuti government.
In response to these perceived indiscretions, Mr. Shinde had, just this Monday, issued a stern warning to his leaders. He emphatically reminded them to consider themselves “workers” first and foremost, urging them to maintain a firm grip on their tempers and “not let success go to their heads.” Sources quoted him expressing his frustration, saying, “In the past few days, certain incidents have taken place… People don’t point fingers at you they point at me for what you do. They ask me: ‘What are your MLAs up to?'”
While Mr. Fadnavis has remained publicly silent on these internal struggles within the Shinde Sena, the situation has escalated to a point where police action has reportedly been initiated against some of the involved Sena MLAs.
This backdrop of internal friction and public warnings fuels significant speculation that the Shinde Sena and the BJP might opt to contest the upcoming elections for the Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC) – widely regarded as the richest civic body in the country – separately. Such a move would mark a significant shift in their alliance strategy and could have profound implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra.
