Mumbai, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed strong disapproval of the alliance formed between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, labeling it as a desperate bid for political survival rather than a genuine ideological partnership.

He criticized the extensive media coverage surrounding their reunion, stating, "It’s being portrayed as if Russia and Ukraine are reconciling, akin to Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaging in peace discussions. It’s simply an exaggeration with no substantial impact."

According to him, this alliance stems from fear and political instability. "This is opportunistic politics rather than ideological alignment. Both have lost their political footing and are now in a fight for survival," he remarked.

“While I wish Uddhav and Raj Thackeray well, anyone who believes their reunion will alter the political landscape is mistaken. Their history is marred by corruption and self-serving interests. They have alienated the Marathi Manoos from Mumbai. Neither the Marathi community nor others support them. Their inflated sense of self-worth is precisely why the people of Mumbai have distanced themselves from them,” CM Fadnavis stated.

He asserted, "I am a Hindutvawadi by birth and will remain so. We do not shift our beliefs daily for votes. My commitment to Hindutva remains unchanged, now and in the future," directly responding to Raj Thackeray.

Referring to the joint press conference as "making a mountain out of a molehill" (Khoda Pahad Nikla Chuha), CM Fadnavis remarked, "This is merely an alliance between two individuals striving to sustain their parties' electoral presence."

He further emphasized, “Their emotional rhetoric will no longer deceive the public. Even if they attract a few more followers, the people of Mumbai will continue to back the MahaYuti alliance because they recognize development, a brighter future for Mumbai, and the MahaYuti's commitment to providing homes for the Marathi community in Mumbai.”

CM Fadnavis specifically targeted Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of overshadowing the foundational ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. He stated, "We do not need to don saffron shawls to showcase our Hindutva for electoral gains," also critiquing Raj Thackeray's recent political branding. He expressed confidence that the upcoming BMC elections would be determined by the development agenda of the MahaYuti government.

He reiterated that voters would not be swayed by emotional appeals but rather would consider the 25 years of mismanagement and corruption under the previous administration. CM Fadnavis maintained that the citizens of Mumbai have distanced themselves from the Thackerays due to their ego and politics of appeasement.

He asserted that the MahaYuti's recent performance in local elections was merely a preview of what to expect in the upcoming BMC elections.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that Mumbaikars desire public servants, not rulers who aim to dominate. "I previously stated I would offer Rs 1,000 if Uddhav Thackeray discussed development; that situation remains unchanged today. They must account for their 25-year governance, including the housing situation for Marathi people and the condition of the Mithi River."

Similar views were echoed by ministers Ashish Shelar and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who reflected on the past two decades of rivalry and Raj Thackeray’s earlier provocative statements against Shiv Sena leaders to assert that this reunion is merely a convenient arrangement.

In other developments, CM Fadnavis announced that the seat-sharing agreement for the MahaYuti alliance is nearing completion and will be disclosed shortly.

Regarding the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai Airport set for Thursday, the CM revealed, "A proposal to honor the people's leader, Loknete D.B. Patil, by naming the airport after him has been submitted to the central government. Progress on this matter is underway. I have discussed it with all central leaders, including the Prime Minister, and it will soon be named DB Patil Airport."