MUMBAI, Dec 6: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the significant impact of Hindutva in the recent state assembly elections, stating that counter-polarisation was instrumental in securing a substantial victory for the Mahayuti alliance.
During an interview with the ABP news channel, Fadnavis—who was sworn in as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time on Thursday—asserted that Hindutva and development are intrinsically linked, defining the BJP’s interpretation of Hindutva as a holistic way of life.
He accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of having a pact with individuals like Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani, which allegedly included an agreement to drop riot-related cases against Muslims dating back to 2012.
In the campaign, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath popularized the slogan “batenge toh katenge” (divided we are destroyed), followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call “ek hain toh safe hain” (united we are safe).
Fadnavis countered Nomani’s call for a “vote-jihad” against the Mahayuti government by advocating for a “dharma-yudh of votes.”
He noted in the interview, “Voter turnout increased due to Congress’s attempts to suppress Hindus. When someone tries to suppress a group, they often respond with strength. Hindutva was crucial, and counter-polarisation bolstered the Mahayuti alliance’s success. Our initiatives in development paired with Hindutva have proven effective.”
This year’s assembly election saw a voter turnout of 66.05%, an increase from 61.1% in 2019.
“The BJP’s approach to Hindutva is a way of life rather than a series of religious practices. Muslims adhere to distinct rituals. It’s important to have an expansive view of Hindutva,” Fadnavis commented.
He added that Prime Minister Modi exemplifies inclusive Hindutva with his actions.
“Those who were once hesitant to visit temples for fear of alienating Muslim voters are now making frequent visits,” he remarked, seemingly targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Alongside Fadnavis as Chief Minister, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar were sworn in as deputy chief ministers.
Regarding cabinet expansion, Fadnavis mentioned it will occur before the winter session of the state legislature begins on December 16 in Nagpur.
“Each of the three parties will receive their fair share of representation. We are close to finalizing details regarding portfolio distribution,” he stated.
“I aim to reconnect with all political leaders, a dialogue that has been absent since 2019,” Fadnavis added, noting his personal development since 2014.
The Mahayuti alliance achieved an impressive victory with 230 out of 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, comprised of 132 seats for the BJP, 57 for Shiv Sena, and 41 for NCP. (PTI)
