Anant Goenka and Vandita Mishra in conversation with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis at Express Adda in Mumbai.
(Express photo/Narendra Vaskar)Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Express Adda Live Updates: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is our guest at Express Adda in Mumbai. He is in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group, and Vandita Mishra, National Opinion Editor, The Indian Express.
A changemaker Fadnavis has emerged as a key political figure in Maharashtra, especially after the BJP’s victory in the recent Assembly polls, where they surpassed the two-thirds mark. Over the last 35 months, he has focused on strengthening the BJP and advancing major infrastructure projects initiated during his previous term. Notably, Fadnavis has demonstrated a unique ability to foster bipartisan relationships, contributing to alliance stability.
What is Express Adda? The Express Adda is a series of informal interactions organised by The Indian Express Group and features those at the centre of change. Previous guests at the Adda include Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, philanthropist Bill Gates, and actors Pankaj Tripathi and Tabu among others.
Asked who communicates better between Maharashtra Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis said: “None of them are good at communication.... I hope they don’t feel bad.”
Fadnavis also acknowledged NCP supremo Sharad Pawar: “I admire Sharad Pawar’s consistency. At this age also, irrespective of win or defeat, he continues to work.”
Fadnavis spoke of critical urban development concerns and investment trends.
(Express Photos Amit Chakravarty)
Devendra Fadnavis has declared the Dharavi redevelopment as the world’s largest urban rejuvenation project, promising a transformative shift for the iconic Mumbai locality. Key highlights of the plan include:
In a significant infrastructure announcement, Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Mumbai’s third airport will be located near Wadhwan Port. “Mumbai’s third airport near Wadhwan,” he said.
In a continued push for infrastructure and mobility upgrades, Devendra Fadnavis has announced a series of urban and transport initiatives set to transform life in Mumbai and beyond.
Key takeaways:
Devendra Fadnavis has unveiled a development roadmap for Mumbai and the MMR region. Key highlights include:
CM Fadnavis delved deeper into what he described as emerging threats to India's democratic fabric. “Why are youths in large numbers joining ISIS? Radicalisation of minorities is a reality… you cannot ignore the facts,” he said. Fadnavis also drew parallels between the controversial concept of "Love Jihad" and what he alleged was a calculated electoral strategy: “Just like Love Jihad, there was a pattern of Vote Jihad in Maharashtra during the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls,” he said.
In the candid conversation, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the controversial subject of "love jihad," saying that while the term is often debated, instances of exploitation under the guise of romantic relationships have come to light in certain districts. “Love jihad in several districts is a reality,” Fadnavis said, responding to growing public discourse around the issue. “When things are being talked about love jihad, you feel that sometimes it is an exaggeration. But in some districts, it's a fact,” he added, clarifying that while not every case warrants alarm, certain patterns have raised concern. Fadnavis was careful to draw a distinction between consensual interfaith relationships and those he alleges involve coercion. “I am not against inter-caste or inter-religious marriages,” he said. “But when girls are lured into marriage and exploited, it is a serious issue.” According to Fadnavis, his public statements on the matter began only after credible incidents were brought to light. “I started speaking about it when such instances came to fore,” he said..
While 16 underground metro stations stayed resilient, one faced rain disruption due to incomplete civil work, says Fadnavis. "I assure you that when the work would be completed in August, then there would be no issues at any metro station and there would be no complaints about it, just the way there were no issues or complaints about the 16 stations," he says.
I want to make everything digital in governance. This should be in a way that no one should have to visit the government office. The e-governance is the target in this 150 days, says CM
"In the General Administration Department, 60,000 promotions were pending for long. After taking charge I fast tracked the process," says Fadnavis, adding that he is more comfortable as an administrator.
From Atal Setu, the 21-km-long sea bridge connecting South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, to the coastal road connecting Marine Drive with Sea-Link and the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway — Chief Minister Fadnavis’s vision is marked by his mission to transform Maharashtra so that it plays a crucial role in Viksit Bharat 2047. Fadnavis will be the guest at Express Adda in Mumbai on Wednesday. He will be in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group, and Vandita Mishra, National Opinion Editor, The Indian Express.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
