Will contest assembly polls, not Lok Sabha: Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis

Fadnavis contested the first assembly elections in 1999 from Nagpur West constituency, which he represented till 2009. In the subsequent elections, Fadnavis represented the Nagpur South West Constituency in Vidarbha region.

While Lok Sabha elections are scheduled for April-May 2024, Maharashtra assembly elections will take place in October-November 2024.

When asked where he would like to see himself in 10 years, Fadnavis said, “In politics, nobody can predict… Even 10 days is a long time. But I can state one thing with absolute certainty that I will remain with the BJP. I will willingly accept whatever role the party leadership assigns me.”

There has been speculation that Fadnavis may be tasked with bigger responsibilities at the Centre soon. Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, some even indicated he may be asked to contest Lok Sabha polls. But Fadnavis emphatically dismissed them as mere rumours. “I am not shifting anywhere. I will contest from my own assembly constituency in Nagpur South West,” he said.

The deputy CM who campaigned in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan assembly elections, exuded confidence in the party emerging victorious. He said, “In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a hattrick. Modi will get re-elected as PM.”

Expressing concern over the growing bitterness in state politics between ruling and opposition, Fadnavis said, “In Maharashtra, it has been the tradition not to treat rivals as enemies. The political differences leading to criticism against each other within the given limits is understandable. It must be understood that during elections, the relations between the parties — ruling and opposition — turn bitter. But hopefully things will improve and relations return to normal.”

Expressing concern over the air pollution in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, “Following court orders, there have been some restrictions on bursting firecrackers… Compared to the past there was some welcome change.”