‘Continue Working’: Amit Shah Rejects Devendra Fadnavis’ Offer to Resign

Mumbai: Amidst reports of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's steadfastness in resigning over the NDA's underwhelming performance in the state, Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly intervened, urging him to remain in his government role.

The former Maharashtra CM had expressed his intention to step down, taking accountability for the NDA's disappointing electoral outcome. 

Despite the alliance between the Shiv Sena, NCP, and BJP winning 41 out of 48 seats in 2019, the coalition, known as Mahayuti, secured only 17 seats in the recent elections. 

In contrast, the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena, and NCP, emerged victorious in 30 constituencies.

Following discussions within the NDA, including a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the topic of Fadnavis's resignation was broached. However, Shah, in a meeting with Fadnavis, implored him to continue his tenure in the Maharashtra government, emphasizing the impact his resignation would have on BJP morale.

Shah also urged Fadnavis to devise a strategy for revitalizing the BJP's presence in the state, considering the upcoming assembly elections slated for around October this year. Shah assured Fadnavis that they would delve into the resignation matter in detail post the scheduled swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his third term, scheduled for Sunday evening.

The performance of the NDA alliance in Maharashtra, a significant contributor of Lok Sabha MPs, played a pivotal role in the BJP's reduced tally from 303 seats in 2019 to 240 seats this time. Despite this setback, the NDA secured a comfortable majority with 293 Lok Sabha seats, ensuring continuity in governance.