Fadnavis says he will join Uddhav's Ram Raksha Andolan, poses question

In a surprising political development, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced his intention to join the 'Ram Raksha Andolan' launched by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. However, Fadnavis attached a condition, raising a question about the timing and intent of the movement.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said, "I will join Uddhavji's Ram Raksha Andolan, but I have a question: Why now? Why did he not start this movement when he was in power?" The remark is seen as a dig at Thackeray's political opportunism.

The 'Ram Raksha Andolan' is a campaign initiated by the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction to protest against what they claim is the "insult" to Lord Ram by certain political statements. The movement has gained traction in Maharashtra, with Thackeray leading rallies.

Fadnavis, a key leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has traditionally been at odds with Thackeray's faction. His offer to join the movement, albeit with a question, has sparked speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the upcoming elections.

Political analysts note that this could be a strategic move to appeal to the Hindu vote bank, or a genuine effort at unity on a religious issue. The exact question posed by Fadnavis has not been fully disclosed, but sources indicate it pertains to the consistency of Thackeray's stance on Ram.