Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the state BJP convention held in Shirdi’s Ahilyanagar on Sunday, raised concerns over alleged illegal activities by Bangladeshi migrants seeking to obtain birth certificates in the state to gain voting rights. Terming this phenomenon as “vote jihad part 2”, Fadnavis highlighted that this was a continuation of tactics he had previously referred to during the assembly poll campaign in November 2024.
During his earlier campaign, Fadnavis had cited instances of a specific community voting en masse against the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections earlier that year, describing this as “vote jihad.” Elaborating further at the convention, he alleged that Bangladeshi infiltrators were engaging in unlawful practices to acquire official documents in Maharashtra.
“Bangladeshi infiltrators are attempting to secure birth certificates in Maharashtra as part of vote jihad part 2. Nearly 100 such cases have already been reported in Amravati and Malegaon tehsil in Nashik. Many of these individuals, around 50 years old, are acquiring documents illegally,” Fadnavis asserted. He added emphatically that his government would not tolerate the presence of any illegal infiltrators in the state, pledging to take strict action against them.
Fadnavis reiterated his government’s commitment to tackling anarchist elements attempting to create divisions along caste and communal lines. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support efforts to maintain social harmony.
Reflecting on the BJP’s remarkable performance in the November assembly elections, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their leadership. He credited them with restoring confidence among party workers following setbacks in the earlier Lok Sabha elections.
“In the past 30 years, the BJP is the only party in Maharashtra to have crossed the 100-seat mark in three consecutive elections—2014, 2019, and 2024. Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, we achieved this milestone. The BJP secured 132 seats in the assembly polls, achieving an impressive strike rate of 89 percent,” Fadnavis said.
Drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata, Fadnavis likened BJP workers to “Keshav” and Prime Minister Modi to “Madhav,” both names associated with Lord Krishna, symbolizing their pivotal role in the party’s victory.
However, he cautioned against complacency in the wake of the assembly poll triumph, urging party workers to continue working diligently for public welfare. He emphasized the need to remain united and prepared for the upcoming local body elections across Maharashtra, expected to take place in the next few months.
Fadnavis highlighted the significance of maintaining focus, saying, “The PM’s mantra of ‘ek hain to safe hain’ (unity ensures safety) must guide us as we approach the civic body polls in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other areas, which have been pending since early 2022.”
The Chief Minister also outlined several welfare initiatives aimed at benefiting all sections of society. One of the key goals, he noted, was to ensure that 52 percent of Maharashtra’s electricity would be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Fadnavis’s address underscored the BJP’s resolve to maintain its momentum, tackle challenges, and continue implementing developmental programs for the people of Maharashtra.
