Fadnavis Invites Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra Assembly

• Fadnavis invited Uddhav Thackeray to join the ruling side.
• Thackeray remained silent, later calling it a joke.
• Move fuels reunion speculation and highlights internal Mahayuti tensions.

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 17th July: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today generated considerable amusement in the state assembly with a public invitation extended to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to join the ruling benches. The suggestion, made during the farewell ceremony of Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition and a member of Mr. Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena, was met with stony silence from Thackeray and his party, while NDA colleagues erupted in laughter.

Addressing Thackeray, who was present in the House, Fadnavis stated, “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.” He further quipped, “Ambadas Danve may be anywhere (party or opposition) but his real thoughts are right wing.”

This unprecedented public overture from the Chief Minister has ignited massive speculation in political circles. While discussions about a possible reunion between the old allies have always simmered, and reports of the BJP sending feelers to the Thackeray faction have surfaced multiple times, this marks the first instance of such a direct public comment from the Chief Minister. The Thackeray faction has consistently dismissed any talk of rejoining forces with the BJP. Thackeray, who had a cordial exchange with Mr. Fadnavis earlier on the assembly premises, later downplayed the remark, stating that such comments are often made as a joke and should be perceived as such.

Internal Dynamics and Upcoming Civic Polls
Party insiders suggest that Fadnavis’s comment could also serve as a strategic move to maintain control over his deputy, Eknath Shinde, especially with the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on the horizon. There’s a perception that Shinde has struggled to rein in some of his leaders, such as Sanjay Gaikwad and Sanjay Shirsat, whose actions have recently caused embarrassment for the ruling Mahayuti government.

Just this Monday, Shinde reportedly issued a stern warning to his party leaders, emphasizing that they should prioritize being “workers” first, maintain composure, and not allow success to go to their heads. “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?'” sources quoted him as saying, highlighting the direct impact of their conduct on his leadership.

While Fadnavis has refrained from public comments on the incidents involving Sena MLAs, police action has been initiated against some. Amidst these developments, there is growing speculation that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP might opt to contest the elections for the Brihanmumbai Corporation – considered the richest civic body in the country – separately.