Fadnavis dismisses national politics buzz, says his focus remains on Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed speculation about moving to national politics, said his focus remains on Maharashtra, welcomed the Centre’s response to the NEET issue, backed the proposed anti-paper leak bill and criticised Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks

Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed speculations about him shifting to national politics, implying that his work and presence are confined to Mumbai and the state. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis downplayed the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s ‘Tiranga’ rally in Mumbai, stating that issues such as the NEET paper leak do not belong to a particular individual or party, but concern the country’s youth.

According to sources, Fadnavis made a quick trip to the national capital on Saturday and later returned to Nagpur amid speculation about his possible shift to national politics in the backdrop of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as the Union education minister.

When asked about his Delhi visit, the chief minister said, “Today, I am in Nagpur and will be going to Mumbai in the evening. I am in Mumbai and Maharashtra only.” He further said that he had no objection to the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS’s ‘Tiranga’ rally in Mumbai to “celebrate” Pradhan’s resignation.

“I am happy that they got a reason to celebrate. Even we are happy because such issues (NEET paper leak) do not belong to any individual or party, but concern the youth of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed utmost sensitivity and took a decision in the interest of the country,” Fadanvis said.

He said that the Union government will table the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, which will be the first of its kind in our country and the world.

He further slammed Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for his remarks during the Tiranga rally. “Uddhav Thackeray has made such dialogues several times in the last 10 years, but his statements do not have any impact, as the entire country is standing with PM Modi. A single video by Modi ji at 1 am on Instagram broke Instagram records worldwide, and this shows whom India stands with,” he remarked.