Fadnavis dismisses talk of Shinde's displeasure over Pune Legislative Council seats

Political activity has picked up in Maharashtra ahead of the Legislative Council elections. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given his first response to talk of Eknath Shinde's alleged displeasure.

The BJP and Shinde's Shiv Sena had been discussing candidatures for the Pune seats. Mangesh Chivate had filed his nomination on behalf of the Shinde camp. The BJP then fielded its own candidate as well, prompting speculation about what was happening in the Mahayuti. Later, news came that Chivate had withdrawn his nomination, after which talk grew that Shinde was upset.

Fadnavis responded to this talk in a light-hearted manner. Speaking to the media after a meeting, he said, "Shinde saheb is not upset. All of you are upset." He also said rumours should not be spread without reason. His remark has set off discussion in political circles.

After Chivate withdrew his nomination, questions had been raised about the political equations within the Mahayuti. Fadnavis firmly rejected the talk that Shinde was upset.

Speaking about the Pune graduates' constituency, Fadnavis said Bhaiyya Mane and Sharad Lad have decided to stand with Smita Jadhav. He also made clear that BJP workers, legislators and office-bearers in the districts of western Maharashtra will reach out to voters and campaign.

On the occasion, Fadnavis also spoke about medical facilities in Pune. He said the ESIC hospital has received approval from the Centre, with 50 MBBS seats, as part of efforts to make it more capable. He thanked Union Minister J.P. Nadda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this. He also said Madhuri didi and Murali bhaiya made continuous efforts for it.

Fadnavis expressed confidence of a Mahayuti win in the coming elections. He said Mahayuti candidates would win all five Legislative Council seats. Along with the Pune teachers' constituency, he also mentioned the election to the Amravati teachers' constituency.

Speaking about the candidature of independent candidate Sachin Sanap, Fadnavis expressed hope that legislators and councillors of the BJP, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party would remain active in the election work. He said instructions have been given to fight the election with full strength. All eyes are now on the candidates' campaigns, coordination within the parties and the Mahayuti's further strategy.