Marathi Identity Cannot Be Separated From Hindutva: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Ahead of the 2026 BMC elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the BJP's campaign focus, rejecting allegations of communal politics in civic polls. Speaking to NDTV, Fadnavis said that 95 per cent of his speeches focus solely on development and infrastructure, and only a small portion is spent responding to opposition claims. He challenged Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to produce even a single speech outlining a development vision for Mumbai's BMC. Responding to questions on identity politics, Fadnavis said Marathi identity and Hindutva cannot be separated, asserting that Marathi pride inherently includes cultural and religious roots.