Devendra Fadnavis dismisses speculation of a late-night meeting with Uddhav Thackeray
April 25, 2026: Devendra Fadnavis has firmly denied reports of a “secret” meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, calling the claims baseless and misleading. Responding to viral social media posts, Fadnavis said there was no reason for any covert discussion and added that leaders could meet openly if needed. He also warned of legal action against the social media handle responsible for spreading what he described as false information.
The controversy began after a media platform linked to Prakash Ambedkar claimed that the two leaders had met at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Fadnavis also criticised Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for using abusive language regarding a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He termed the remarks inappropriate and said such issues should not be reignited unnecessarily. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde later confirmed that the MLA had been warned and had apologised.
Addressing another controversy, Fadnavis rejected claims made by Dhirendra Shastri about historical links involving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that no documented evidence supports such assertions. He emphasised that historical narratives must be based on credible sources, even as he clarified Shastri’s remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, saying they should be understood in context rather than misinterpreted.