In the lead-up to Maharashtra’s elections, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance for allegedly caving to demands made by the Ulema Council, a Muslim clerical body.
Speaking in an interview, Fadnavis revealed that the Ulema Council had presented 17 demands to the MVA, which he claimed the alliance had formally accepted. “The Ulema Council declared support to them and put forward 17 demands. They (MVA) issued a formal letter accepting these demands. While I have no issue with demands being put forward, I question which of these are acceptable,” Fadnavis said. He specifically highlighted one demand: “The request to dismiss all cases against the Muslim community related to riots from 2012 to 2024. What kind of politics is this?” he asked.
Fadnavis linked this to the broader issue of political unity, referencing Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s controversial slogan “Batenge to Katenge” (If we divide, we will perish). “This land belongs to our ancestors, like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not to Razakars,” he declared, emphasizing the need for religious and cultural unity in India.
Describing the situation as a “Dharma Yudh” (righteous battle), Fadnavis invoked the principle of “Yato Dharmastato Jayah”—where there is truth, there is victory—and called for resistance against falsehoods in the pursuit of national unity.
Fadnavis also pointed out the historical roots of division, criticizing the Congress for its alleged role in sowing division by acquiescing to demands in the past. “If Congress in 1920 had not given in to the demand to sing only half of Vande Mataram, the seed of division would not have been sown,” he argued.
Fadnavis further accused the MVA of exploiting caste and religious divisions for political leverage, warning that if Congress returns to power, it could weaken the OBC community and affect reservation policies for SC/ST groups. According to him, dividing these groups would reduce their political influence and dismantle their ability to act as a unified “pressure group.”
When asked about the potential CM candidate for the Mahayuti alliance, Fadnavis downplayed the issue, stating, “There is no plan, no date. We are confident we will form the government. Once the results are in, the three parties will sit together and decide on the CM. This is a national decision, not mine.”
