In a statement that stirred both laughter and political speculation, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis publicly extended an unusual invitation to Uddhav Thackeray in the state assembly, suggesting he could “come over” to the ruling side, even as he firmly ruled out the BJP going into opposition till 2029.
Speaking during the farewell session for Ambadas Danve — the outgoing Leader of Opposition from Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) faction — Fadnavis addressed Thackeray directly, saying, “Look Uddhav-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.” His remark was followed by laughter from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators in the House.
Fadnavis’ quip was taken with apparent amusement by members present, but its political undercurrents weren’t missed. He also commented that Danve, despite his role in the opposition, has “right-wing thoughts” — a remark seen by many as a subtle outreach to those ideologically closer to the BJP.
Old allies, new undertones
The comment is significant as it marks the first instance where a senior BJP leader openly acknowledged the possibility — even if jokingly — of a renewed alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. Though there have been periodic reports of BJP sending backchannel feelers to Thackeray’s group, the latter has consistently distanced itself from any such overtures.
Uddhav Thackeray, who had briefly interacted with Fadnavis in the assembly premises earlier, dismissed the comment as a joke, adding that such statements should be taken in a light-hearted spirit.
A message for Eknath Shinde?
According to party insiders, Fadnavis’ statement may have had an internal undertone — aimed as much at coalition management as at the opposition. It comes at a time when Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister and head of another Shiv Sena faction, is grappling with dissent and controversy within his group.
Recent incidents involving Sena leaders Sanjay Gaikwad and Sanjay Shirsat had caused embarrassment for the Mahayuti alliance. In response, Shinde had sternly warned his MLAs to act responsibly and maintain discipline. “People don’t point fingers at you, they point at me… What are your MLAs up to?” Shinde was quoted as telling his colleagues.
While Fadnavis had remained silent on the controversies, law enforcement had taken action against the concerned MLAs. Observers believe his recent remarks could be a way to keep Shinde in check, especially ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Civic poll strategy under speculation
With political temperature rising ahead of the BMC polls, speculation is rife that the BJP and Shinde’s Sena may even contest separately. The BMC, being the country’s wealthiest civic body, holds major political and administrative significance in Maharashtra.
Whether Fadnavis’ invitation was just a rhetorical flourish or part of a deeper political game remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a new layer of intrigue to Maharashtra’s shifting political landscape.