Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking at a public meeting in Assam, drew historical and cultural links between Maharashtra and the Northeast while praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He invoked regional icons and shared traditions to underscore a narrative of common heritage and ongoing development in the state.
Fadnavis said he comes from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who fought the Mughals to establish Swarajya, and likened Shivaji’s legacy to that of Lachit Borphukan, the Assamese commander who resisted Mughal forces to defend the region’s sovereignty. He presented both figures as symbols of regional pride and resistance against external domination.
Highlighting a symbolic connection between the two regions, Fadnavis contrasted Maharashtra’s “Gateway of India” with Assam’s role as the “Gateway of Northeast India,” stressing Assam’s strategic and cultural importance to the wider region.
He also pointed to linguistic and cultural similarities, noting that both areas use the term “Ai” to address mothers. Fadnavis described this shared usage as reflecting emotional bonds and common cultural threads between people of Maharashtra and the Northeast.
In a political barb, the chief minister contrasted what he called “true maternal affection” with a veiled criticism of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, suggesting her leadership lacked genuine sentiment. The remark underscored the political tones in his address.
Praising Assam’s recent changes, Fadnavis said the state has seen significant transformation under Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Sarma and expressed confidence that Assam will continue on a path of rapid progress in the coming years.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/elections/story/devendra-fadnavis-invokes-shivaji-lachit-to-draw-parallels-between-maharashtra-and-assam-1368523-2026-04-01?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-01 09:47:00
