Opposition heading for 'historic defeat' in Maha polls: Fadnavis

Criticising the opposition parties, he said they have joined hands against the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections to make an excuse for their own losses.

Raising alarm over EVMs ahead of the state polls due in September-October, key opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP and MNS, on Friday pitched for reverting to the use of ballot papers and announced a protest march on August 21 over the issue.

Reacting to it, Fadnavis, while addressing a press conference on Sunday in Gondia district during his ongoing 'Maha Janadesh Yatra', said those opposing the EVMs have realised they cannot win.

"They have accepted their defeat and hence, are using the EVMs as a 'covering fire'. The 'maha morcha' against EVMs later this month will result in 'maha defeat' of the opposition. The opposition parties know that they are heading for a historic defeat," he said.

In an apparent reference to the Congress and NCP, the chief minister said both the opposition parties have become "directionless" and are unable to find issues to take on the BJP-led state government.

"Both the parties should introspect why their own people are leaving them," he said without naming any party.

"They organised several protests, but people did not support them. When people organised protests, we took note of it and resolved their problems," he asserted.

Fadnavis said many leaders from other parties were eager to join the BJP, but "we are inducting only those who have a good mass base and a clean track record".

He claimed people have made up their mind to give his government a fresh mandate.

"I see pro-incumbency wherever I am going during the yatra. People want a government which supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Fadnavis said during his ongoing mass outreach campaign, he was highlighting his government's achievements and seeking a fresh mandate based on his 'report card'.

The state government was expediting the distribution of agriculture pumps to farmers in Vidarbha region, he said.

"All irrigation projects are being expedited and there is no dearth of funds," he added.