NAGPUR: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Monday rejected speculation about his potential candidacy for prime ministerial role in 2029, asserting that PM Narendra Modi remains the ‘undisputed leader of BJP’ and has many years of service ahead.
Fadnavis dismissed Sena UBT member Sanjay Raut‘s claim that Modi’s visit to Hedgewar memorial in Reshimbagh signalled his impending retirement, as baseless. “In Hindu culture, a child is not considered a replacement for his father while the father is still alive. Such successions occur in Mughal culture, not ours. Modi remains our leader, and BJP is committed to seeing him continue as PM beyond 2029,” he said.
Raut claimed Modi’s visit to RSS’ Hedgewar memorial was meant to signal his exit from active politics in Sept this year, further suggesting that Modi’s successor would be from Maharashtra and finalised by the Sangh. Modi turns 75 in Sept, and BJP has an informal rule that leaders beyond this age should not hold ministerial positions.
Fadnavis also countered ex-Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s criticism of National Education Policy, which she termed ‘communal, coercive agenda.’ Defending the policy, he emphasised the necessity of dismantling the British-imposed education framework. “British designed an education system to weaken Indian identity. Lord Macaulay explicitly stated in his letter that unless India’s indigenous education was dismantled, British cannot rule. Any patriot should support efforts to Indianise our education system. Sonia must study these reforms properly and extend support,” he said.
On MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s concerns on governance and rural distress, raised during his Gudi Padwa speech Sunday, Fadnavis said, “We are working to take everyone along in running the govt. He raised some important points, and we will consider them. As for his suggestion on loudspeakers at mosques, we will strictly implement SC order prohibiting their use beyond permissible limits.”
Addressing Thackeray’s remarks on deteriorating condition of rivers in state, the CM pointed to the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate state’s water resources, especially Godavari.
