Devendra Fadnavis Invites Uddhav Thackeray to Join BJP-Led Mahayuti in Maharashtra Assembly

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis triggered a round of laughter in the state assembly when he publicly extended an invitation to Uddhav Thackeray to join the ruling coalition, a suggestion Mr Thackeray and his party quietly dismissed.

Speaking at the farewell of Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition and a member of Mr Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, Fadnavis addressed Thackeray directly.

“Look Uddhav-ji, there is no scope of (our) going there (in the opposition) till 2029… But if you want to come over here, then consider it… it depends on you… it can be considered”.

The remark drew laughter from NDA members present in the House. Fadnavis added, “Ambadas Danve may be anywhere (party or opposition) but his real thoughts are right wing”.

Public Invite Raises Speculation

While speculation about a potential reunion between the old allies has persisted, this marked the first time the Chief Minister had openly hinted at such a possibility.

Although there have been multiple reports of the BJP extending feelers to the Thackeray faction, the latter has consistently shown disdain toward such overtures.

Mr Thackeray, who had met Fadnavis earlier on the assembly premises, later dismissed the comment. He said such remarks are made in jest and should be taken lightly.

Insiders suggested Fadnavis’s comment may also serve as a strategic move to keep his deputy, Eknath Shinde, in check ahead of the civic polls.

Shinde’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has reportedly struggled to rein in party members like Sanjay Gaikwad and Sanjay Shirsat, whose actions have put the ruling Mahayuti alliance in uncomfortable situations.

In response, Shinde issued a stern warning to his MLAs earlier this week. “In the past few days, certain incidents have taken place… People don’t point fingers at you – they point at me for what you do. They ask me: ‘What are your MLAs up to?”

Although Fadnavis has not spoken publicly about the matter, police actions have been initiated against some of the Sena MLAs.

There is ongoing speculation that the BJP and Shinde Sena may contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections separately.

Another Public Remark from Fadnavis

Reinforcing his earlier comment, Fadnavis once again addressed Thackeray during his farewell speech in the Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad.

He remarked that the ruling alliance has no intention or need to move into opposition until 2029.

“At least till 2029, there is no scope for us to come there (Opposition). Uddhav Ji can think about the scope of coming to this side (ruling party) and that can be thought about in a different way, but there is absolutely no scope left for us to come there (Opposition),” he said, as quoted by PTI.

Thackeray’s Retort over Security Bill

Earlier on July 11, Thackeray had taken a jab at the Mahayuti government after the passage of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill.

He had accused the government of misusing its majority and said the bill resembled older controversial acts.

“They can pick up anyone, including ordinary people, and imprison them. This bill is similar to previous acts like MESA and TADA. This bill should be called the ‘BJP security bill’ instead of the public security bill, as they believe speaking out against the BJP is tantamount to criticising the country. Currently, we don’t support this bill,” Thackeray said.

Success of ‘Operation Muskaan’

In the Maharashtra Legislative Council during the Question Hour, CM Fadnavis informed that 41,193 missing children have been found so far through ‘Operation Muskaan’.

Additionally, 4,960 women and 1,364 children were located under ‘Operation Khoj’ in 2025 alone.

Fadnavis explained that his government had taken such cases seriously, establishing a ‘Missing Cell’ in all police stations. He added that the responsibility of these cells was given to senior women officers.

The Chief Minister also said that missing persons’ data was being shared between the Centre and state via the Missing Portal, with regular updates.

Promises of Sociological Action

When Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve emphasized the need for policy intervention on issues like child marriage and human trafficking, Fadnavis responded that the government would study these matters from a sociological lens.