Devendra Fadnavis on Badlapur Encounter: Condemns Glorification and Asserts BJP’s Strength in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the recent police shooting of the Badlapur sexual assault accused at the India Today Mumbai Conclave. He clarified that while the accused was shot in self-defense after he grabbed a policeman’s gun, Fadnavis does not endorse the glorification of such incidents.

“We do not believe in encounters. The rule of law must be followed, and criminals should be punished quickly. However, if police are attacked, they will not stand by idly. This was a case of self-defense,” Fadnavis stated.

Fadnavis also condemned the celebratory hoardings that appeared in Mumbai the day after the incident, with slogans like “Badla Pura” (Revenge Complete) and his image holding a gun. He called these displays “wrong” and assured that the state CID would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

BJP’s Strategy for Maharashtra Assembly Election

As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, Fadnavis expressed confidence that the BJP will emerge as the largest party, securing a majority for the Mahayuti alliance. He reaffirmed that the BJP is the leading party in Maharashtra and is expected to retain this position in the upcoming polls.

“The BJP is the number one party in Maharashtra and will stay that way,” Fadnavis declared. He also made it clear that if the alliance wins, there will be no rotational Chief Minister.

Despite the party’s reduced number of seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Fadnavis dismissed the idea that the BJP is weakening. He emphasized that several of the losses were by narrow margins, and the party is regaining strength ahead of the state elections.

Initial Resistance to NCP’s Induction into Mahayuti

Fadnavis addressed concerns raised by BJP supporters about the induction of Ajit Pawar’s NCP into the Mahayuti alliance, given the NCP’s past association with alleged corruption. He admitted there was initial discomfort among voters but assured that the alliance is stronger now.

He added that the voter base of both Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena took time to settle after their breakaways, but the alliance is now fully aligned heading into the Assembly polls