In a rare moment of levity amid Maharashtra’s tense political climate, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a surprising remark in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, hinting at the possibility of political realignment with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
“There is scope for you to come here, and that possibility can be explored differently,” Fadnavis said, addressing the opposition benches during a farewell speech for Ambadas Danve, whose term as Leader of the Opposition in the Council has concluded.
The remark triggered murmurs and raised eyebrows across the House, with many legislators interpreting it as more than a casual aside. The moment was made more intriguing by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visible reaction, which did not go unnoticed.
Fadnavis continued, adding, “Even though Danve’s term is ending, if he returns to the House, it’s not necessary that he resumes the same position. If I say such things, Uddhavji will say we are indulging in poaching.”
Thackeray, quick to respond from the opposition benches, appeared to take the comment in stride. Fadnavis, in turn, shot back with a politically pointed rejoinder, “Till 2029, there is no scope for us to be on the opposition side.”
Later, Uddhav Thackeray addressed the exchange, characterising it as light banter rather than serious political manoeuvring. “Such an offer made in a playful spirit should be taken the same way,” he said, offering little more but not entirely shutting the door either.
Despite the jocular tone, the moment briefly cut through the usual political hostility in the state Assembly and fuelled speculation about shifting allegiances. The Fadnavis-Thackeray dynamic, once of alliance, now of opposition, was once again on display in full public view.
Fadnavis also used the occasion to take a pointed jab at Thackeray over the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a contentious issue in the state’s political discourse.
“Uddhavji, when the Governor asked you to prove your majority, you still held a cabinet meeting and cleared the renaming. But that meeting was not official due to the lack of majority. However, don’t feel bad. That’s called wisdom that arrives late,” Fadnavis quipped. “You couldn’t prove your majority—we did. We renamed it Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and got it approved by the Centre.”
Thackeray, while acknowledging Fadnavis’ praise for Danve, returned fire with a subtle dig of his own, “Say that he will return, but say it from the same party. The appreciation felt good today, especially because when his candidacy was announced, the same people made different faces.”
He added, “I thanked the Chief Minister, but I’m not sure if he will thank me. After all, he has taken a few people from my side too.”
