Uddhav Thackeray-Led Shiv Sena Praises Fadnavis for Transforming Gadchiroli Into Steel City

Mumbai, 3rd January 2025: The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his efforts to transform Gadchiroli, a district previously affected by Naxalism, into a steel city. The party referred to him as ‘Deva Bhau’ and acknowledged his New Year’s Eve visit to the region as a step toward development. On New Year’s Day, 11 Naxalites, including eight women, surrendered at the Gadchiroli Police headquarters, an event attended by Fadnavis. He expressed optimism about eradicating Naxalism from the state.

Fadnavis highlighted the progress in the district, noting the construction of roads and bridges that disrupted Maoist dominance and improved connectivity to Chhattisgarh. During his visit, he inaugurated the 32-km-long Gatta-Gardewada-Wangeturi road and launched Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus services in the area.

In an editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed hope that Fadnavis would bring meaningful change to the lives of Gadchiroli’s tribal population. The party emphasized the need for the chief minister to turn his development plans into action. This rare commendation comes weeks after Uddhav Thackeray met Fadnavis in Nagpur, despite strained relations since the BJP and Shiv Sena split in 2019.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, acknowledged the government’s success in addressing Naxalism in Gadchiroli, stating, “We welcome the surrender of Naxalites who have chosen the constitutional path.” He criticized the previous ‘guardian minister’ for neglecting the region and contributing to its issues while affirming his party’s commitment to raising concerns as part of the opposition.

When asked about the praise, Fadnavis simply responded, “It’s good. Thank you.”