Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, affirmed his commitment to his post despite previously offering to resign following the Bharatiya Janata Party's underwhelming performance in the state during the Lok Sabha elections. Following a crucial BJP meeting where party MLAs expressed their support for him, Fadnavis dismissed what he referred to as a "fake narrative" that acted as an additional opposition for the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

"I am not one to retreat. I believe in facing challenges head-on?When surrounded, we can emerge stronger, a lesson we learn from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After meeting Amit Shah in Delhi, where he encouraged me to continue, I am resolved to do just that," Fadnavis stated.

He also emphasized that preparations for the upcoming assembly elections, scheduled for later this year, are already underway.

Earlier in the week, Fadnavis had taken full responsibility for the BJP's lackluster performance in Maharashtra, expressing a willingness to step down from his position as deputy chief minister to focus on party work. He attributed the BJP's setback to rumors regarding changes to the constitution, which he claimed had a detrimental effect on the ruling alliance in Maharashtra.

The Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, secured 17 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress claimed 30 seats.

Responding to Fadnavis's offer to resign, Maharashtra's Second Deputy CM, Ajit Pawar, stated that it was an internal matter for the BJP and was not discussed during the NDA meeting in Delhi.