In a surprising development, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s mouthpiece, Saamana, has extended its congratulations to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, calling him "Deva Bhau," for his recent visit to Gadchiroli. The editorial, published on Friday, lauded Fadnavis for his efforts in the region, highlighting his significant role in facilitating the surrender of 11 Naxalites, including a key figure, Tarakka, and his dedication to the district?s development.

The editorial praised Fadnavis for inaugurating new projects on New Year?s Day in Gadchiroli, a district historically known for Naxal activity. It emphasized that turning the region from a ?Naxalite district? to a ?Steel City? could mark a major accomplishment, provided that the development benefits the local tribal communities rather than mining magnates.

?If the current Chief Minister wants to give Gadchiroli a new identity as the 'Steel City' instead of a 'Naxalite district,' then he should be welcomed,? the editorial stated, offering conditional support for the development initiatives. The editorial also mentioned that former Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli had visited the region several times, but there were allegations that such visits were focused more on benefiting mining interests than on the welfare of the tribals.

Further, Saamana highlighted that Fadnavis, by prioritizing development in Gadchiroli amidst other political distractions, had initiated a positive shift in the region, focusing on progress rather than political gains.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut responded to the editorial by affirming that the surrender of Naxalites and the development efforts in Gadchiroli deserved appreciation. Raut emphasized that positive actions should always be acknowledged, regardless of political differences. ?We always appreciate good initiatives. We have criticized PM Modi also, but when he does something good, we appreciate him for all the good things he does,? Raut said.

The editorial?s praise comes days after Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, met Devendra Fadnavis. This development adds to the speculation about the possibility of a future alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP. The two parties had split after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with Thackeray forming an alliance with Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, after the split in Shiv Sena in 2022, when Eknath Shinde joined hands with the BJP, the political dynamics in the state continue to evolve.