Fadnavis attacks INDIA Bloc as 'anti-Modi' alliance with no ideology
Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis used the backdrop of Himanta Biswa Sarma's swearing-in in Guwahati to deliver a pointed broadside against the INDIA Bloc, calling it a hollow alliance built on nothing more than opposition to Modi. His remarks signal that the BJP intends to keep the 'negative politics' narrative front and centre heading into future electoral battles.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attacked the INDIA Bloc on Monday in Guwahati , calling it an alliance formed solely to remove PM Modi .
Fadnavis said opposition parties "fight each other in states, then join hands in Delhi" — citing internal contradictions.
He hailed the BJP-led NDA's third consecutive term in Assam as proof of public trust in Modi's leadership.
Assam CM-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to be sworn in on Tuesday at Khanapara in the presence of PM Modi, Amit Shah , and Rajnath Singh .
Fadnavis also called the BJP's rise in West Bengal and eastern India politically significant for the country.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday launched a sharp attack on the INDIA Bloc, asserting that the opposition alliance was formed solely to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi and lacked any genuine ideological foundation. Fadnavis made the remarks in Guwahati, where he arrived to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Fadnavis on the INDIA Bloc's Internal Contradictions
Speaking to reporters after landing in Guwahati, Fadnavis said the opposition coalition was politically inconsistent and deeply divided within its own ranks. "There is actually no real alliance called INDIA. These parties fight each other in the states, then join hands in Delhi, and then criticise one another again. The alliance has been formed only with one agenda — to remove PM Modi," he said.
He further argued that the opposition parties were incapable of mounting a credible political challenge to Modi, citing the Prime Minister's continued popularity and governance record. "The people of the country have repeatedly rejected this negative politics," Fadnavis added.
BJP's Victories as Proof of Public Trust
Fadnavis pointed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s electoral gains across the country as evidence of the electorate's confidence in Modi's leadership. He specifically hailed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s victory in the Assam Assembly elections, describing it as a reflection of the transformation the state has undergone.
"The BJP-led NDA government has returned to power for the third consecutive term in Assam. The kind of transformation Assam has witnessed under PM Modi's leadership and the efforts made by Himanta Biswa Sarma to fulfil the aspirations of the people have resulted in this extraordinary mandate," he said.
Congratulations to Himanta Biswa Sarma
Fadnavis extended congratulations to Sarma ahead of his swearing-in, expressing confidence that Assam would continue to develop under the Chief Minister-designate's second consecutive term. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Himanta Biswa Sarma. Under PM Modi's leadership, Himanta da will take Assam to greater heights and the state will continue to progress rapidly," he said.
BJP's Eastern India Push
Fadnavis also flagged the BJP's expanding footprint in eastern India as politically significant, calling the party's performance in West Bengal important not just for the BJP but for the country at large. This comes amid the BJP's sustained push to consolidate its presence in states where it has historically faced stiff competition.
Swearing-In Ceremony Details
Sarma is scheduled to take the oath on Tuesday at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara, in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several NDA Chief Ministers. The high-profile attendance underscores the BJP's intent to project Assam as a model for NDA governance in the northeast.
Point of View
Only anti-Modi' framing is the BJP's preferred counter-narrative to coalition politics, but it sidesteps a genuine question: whether a third-term ruling party with a commanding majority still needs to define itself primarily against an opposition it claims is irrelevant. The BJP's eastern India push, including West Bengal, is real and significant — but framing every electoral contest as a referendum on Modi increasingly risks obscuring state-level issues that voters care about independently of the Prime Minister.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Devendra Fadnavis say about the INDIA Bloc?
Fadnavis said the INDIA Bloc has no real ideological unity and was formed solely to remove PM Modi. He argued that its constituent parties fight each other in states before joining hands in Delhi, only to criticise one another again.
Why was Fadnavis in Guwahati?
Fadnavis travelled to Guwahati to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma, scheduled for Tuesday at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara.
Who will attend Himanta Biswa Sarma's swearing-in ceremony?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several NDA Chief Ministers are expected to attend the ceremony in Khanapara, Guwahati.
What is the significance of the BJP's third consecutive term in Assam?
The NDA's third consecutive term in Assam is seen by the BJP as a validation of its governance model in the northeast and a reflection of the development work attributed to Himanta Biswa Sarma and PM Modi's leadership.
What did Fadnavis say about the BJP's performance in West Bengal?
Fadnavis called the BJP's rise in West Bengal politically significant, saying the party's performance there was important not just for the BJP but for the country as a whole, signalling the party's continued push to expand in eastern India.
