Maharashtra’s political grapevine got a reality check Saturday as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis categorically refuted whispers of a hush-hush midnight rendezvous with rival Uddhav Thackeray at Varsha Bungalow.
Fueling the speculation was a viral social media post from ‘Prabuddha Bharat,’ alleging Thackeray’s late-night arrival to broker deals ensuring smooth, uncontested elections to the Legislative Council and averting any bargaining games.
‘Pure fiction,’ Fadnavis shot back. He stressed that any interaction with Thackeray would be transparent, with no secrets to conceal from the people of Maharashtra. ‘We don’t hide our conversations,’ he added firmly.
Taking aim at errant media outlets, the CM branded the reports as falsehoods and promised legal action against those peddling deliberate lies.
The controversy brews just before the May 12 polls for nine Council seats. With Thackeray’s tenure wrapping up on May 13, his allies are pushing hard for his re-election. Supriya Sule of NCP (SP) made a public plea on X, hailing Thackeray as a seasoned leader whose presence would enrich the Upper House and the state.
Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut dodged direct questions, deferring confirmation to the principals involved.
This flare-up highlights the high-stakes drama enveloping Maharashtra’s assembly, where alliances shift and rumors fly fast. Fadnavis’ forthright stance may calm some nerves, but the election battle promises more twists ahead.
