Will remain in Maharashtra only: Fadnavis rules out role in national politics

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed talk of a national political role after his Delhi visit sparked speculation, saying "he will remain in Mumbai and Maharashtra only".Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis played down the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's 'Tiranga' rally in Mumbai.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed speculation about a shift to national politics, saying his work and presence remain in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He was speaking in Nagpur after reports about a brief visit to Delhi triggered talk of a possible move at the national level.Fadnavis also played down the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's 'Tiranga' rally in Mumbai, saying the NEET paper leak was not an issue linked to any one person or party but one that concerned the country's youth. He said he had no objection to the rally and also criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over remarks made there.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.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." On the 'Tiranga' rally, Fadnavis said he had no objection to the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS event 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," Fadnavis said.He said the Union government would table the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, and described it as the first of its kind in the country and the world. He also hit out at Uddhav Thackeray over his remarks at the 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 said.In summary, Fadnavis rejected speculation about any move to national politics, said the NEET paper leak was a matter concerning the country's youth, defended the Centre's response, and criticised remarks made by Uddhav Thackeray at the Mumbai rally.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Jul 26, 2026 15:09 IST