25 July,2026 03:07 PM IST | Pandharpur | mid-day online correspondent
Amruta Fadnavis (Left) and Devendra Fadnavis (Right). Pic/X
Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Saturday said she wanted her husband to "stay" in Maharashtra, amid speculation over the BJP leader's future political role.
Speaking to reporters after performing the Ashadhi Ekadashi puja at the Shri Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Amruta Fadnavis also said protests over the alleged examination paper leak were justified as long as they remained focused on the issue, while stressing that the government was taking corrective steps to prevent such incidents.
Responding to speculation about Devendra Fadnavis' future role, Amruta Fadnavis made a light-hearted remark indicating that she wanted him to continue serving in Maharashtra.
"I want to stay in Maharashtra, and I will ensure Devendraji also stays in Maharashtra," she said.
Her remarks come days after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Devendra Fadnavis could be moved to the Centre if the BJP undertakes a Cabinet reshuffle, with another party leader taking over as Maharashtra Chief Minister.
Reacting to the speculation earlier, Devendra Fadnavis had said that roles in politics keep changing and should continue to evolve.
Commenting on the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, Amruta Fadnavis said protests were appropriate provided they remained centred on the issue of examination paper leaks.
"It is absolutely okay if the agitation is restricted to the paper leak. The government has been taking corrective measures in the background, and now we are seeing the results also," she said, referring to the proposed legislation aimed at strengthening action against examination paper leaks.
She added that the government was implementing reforms sought by students.
"Our government is taking all the corrective measures to ensure that such paper leaks do not happen," Amruta Fadnavis said.
Asked about the proposed joint protest by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray over the examination issue, she described their coming together as a positive development.
"They were separate earlier, but it is good that they are coming together," she said.
The two Thackeray cousins are set to jointly lead a "Tiranga" march in Mumbai in support of students and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Amruta Fadnavis also condemned incidents of violence reported during the agitation, saying attacks on either students or police personnel were unacceptable.
"Violence, be it against students or police, is condemnable. That was a black moment in the agitation, and it should not happen again. Action should be initiated against those who indulged in ill behaviour," she said.
On freedom of expression, she said every citizen and artist has the right to express their views.
"Every citizen, every artist has the right to express themselves, and I am happy that they are exercising their rights," she said.
Speaking about her visit to the Shri Vitthal Temple on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Amruta Fadnavis said she prayed for the well-being of people and the prosperity of farmers.
"I prayed that the issues faced by the people of Maharashtra as well as the country should be resolved and that farmers should prosper," she said.
(With inputs from PTI)
