With Maharashtra heading toward high-stakes municipal corporation elections in 2026, political temperatures are rising sharply across the state. In an conversation with India TV, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis made sweeping predictions about the outcome of the civic polls while launching a no-holds-barred attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Projecting strong confidence in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Fadnavis claimed that the coalition would secure mayoral control in all 29 municipal corporations going to polls. He asserted that the BJP would emerge as the single largest party in these elections, leaving the opposition far behind.

Speaking on the leadership of civic bodies, the Chief Minister made a pointed political statement, saying that mayors elected under the Mahayuti banner would reflect Maharashtra’s cultural identity. He underlined that the alliance would dominate urban local bodies across the state, repeating his claim of a clean sweep in all corporations.

On alliance equations, Fadnavis ruled out any possibility of Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party joining the NDA in the near future, signalling that political lines were firmly drawn ahead of the civic battle.

Addressing identity politics, Fadnavis positioned himself as firmly rooted in Maharashtra’s cultural ethos. He said he identified as Hindu and Marathi, pushing back against narratives that, according to him, falsely pit linguistic or religious identities against one another. Without naming individuals directly at first, he accused opposition leaders of deliberately trying to divide society for political gain.

His attack sharpened as he turned directly toward Uddhav Thackeray, accusing the former Chief Minister of attempting to create rifts between communities. Fadnavis openly challenged Thackeray, questioning his ideological stance and daring him to publicly raise nationalist slogans, framing the issue as one of political clarity and courage.

The Chief Minister also addressed concerns around the treatment of North Indian residents in Maharashtra, strongly rejecting any attempt to label them as outsiders. He said people from other states have contributed significantly to Maharashtra’s growth and should not be targeted for political messaging.

On national security and illegal immigration, Fadnavis accused the West Bengal government of failing to curb cross-border infiltration, claiming that its policies had wider implications for the country. He also took a swipe at AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, making remarks aimed at reinforcing his party’s national security narrative.

Responding to corruption allegations recently raised by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis maintained that he was fully prepared to account for his work in government. Turning the focus back to the opposition, he questioned the performance of Shiv Sena (UBT) during its long control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

“They ruled the BMC for 25 years,” Fadnavis said, adding that the public now deserved a clear explanation of what was achieved during that period.