NAGPUR: The thunderous sounds of dhol-tasha filled the air, firecrackers lit up the sky and slogans got louder. As Devendra Fadnavis was unanimously elected the legislative party leader, setting the stage for his third stint as CM, the streets of his hometown Nagpur erupted in celebration. BJP workers, chanting “Deva Bhau” and waving party flags, poured into the streets, gathering at Fadnavis’s residence and the party office, and painted the city saffron. BJP spokesperson Chandan Goswami summed up the overwhelming sentiment: “This is a moment of immense pride for us.”
Women party workers were particularly enthusiastic, dancing joyously and raising slogans. To them, Fadnavis isn’t just a politician—he’s family, their brother who always delivers on his promises.
Celebrations continued as the invitation for Fadnavis’s swearing-in ceremony surfaced on social media. BJP supporters erected posters and banners across the city, congratulating him for the success.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated Fadnavis, expressing confidence in the new govt’s potential. “Under Fadnavis’s leadership, and with PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, Maharashtra’s development will reach new heights,” he said.
At the BJP office, city unit president Bunty Kukde led the celebrations, joined by senior leaders like Upendra Kothekar, Vishnu Changde, former corporator Ashwini Jichkar and youth wing president Badal Raut. The gathering underscored Fadnavis’s popularity in his hometown and his role as a unifying figure within the party.
The fervour surrounding his return to the CM chair highlights not only his political strength, but also his popularity within Nagpur and Vidarbha. The celebration wasn’t just confined to party workers—it had an unmistakable sense of Vidarbha pride. Over 20,000 BJP workers and supporters from Vidarbha are set to attend the swearing-in ceremony, with around 3,000 participants from Nagpur district alone.
Even industry leaders are elated, with hope running high for the economic development of Nagpur and Vidarbha. “With Fadnavis as CM, the region can look forward to significant investments and large-scale projects. Many issues and underlying problems relating to trade and industry will be addressed on priority as CM is from Vidarbha. His return as CM has rejuvenated the industrial fraternity,” said Julfesh Shah, chairman of Chamber of Small Industry Associations.
