Fadnavis Slams Thackeray Cousins with 'Ghajini' Jibe Over Protest March

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, likening them to the protagonist of the Bollywood film 'Ghajini' for allegedly making statements that defy belief. The remark came in response to the Thackeray cousins' ongoing protest march against the state government, which they claim is failing on multiple fronts.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, "One should try to sound believable while speaking lies," in a direct jibe at the opposition leaders. The 'Ghajini' reference alludes to the film's character suffering from short-term memory loss, implying that the Thackerays are forgetful of their own past records. This is not the first time Fadnavis has used such analogies; he has previously mocked the opposition over their alliance dynamics and policy flip-flops.

The political temperature in Maharashtra is rising ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with both the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) engaging in aggressive posturing. The Thackeray-led march aims to highlight issues like inflation, unemployment, and alleged misuse of power. Fadnavis' remarks are likely to further polarize the political landscape, with the opposition expected to retaliate strongly. The incident underscores the intense battle for Mumbai's civic body, often seen as a barometer of the state's political mood.