‘Defame Me if You Want, But Don’t Insult Maharashtra’: CM Devendra Fadnavis Hits Back at Opposition Over Expressway Link

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly defended the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Connecting Link, accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, and warned against attempts to tarnish Maharashtra’s image through false narratives.

July 9, 2026 | Mumbai:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on the Opposition in the State Assembly on Wednesday, accusing it of spreading misinformation regarding the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Connecting Link project and attempting to undermine Maharashtra’s achievements.

Responding to a discussion on recent heavy rainfall, landslides, traffic congestion, the Dharavi redevelopment project, and financial matters concerning the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Fadnavis strongly defended the government’s infrastructure initiatives. He said claims that the Connecting Link had collapsed or that thousands of crores of rupees had been wasted were completely false.

The Chief Minister pointed out that after a landslide near the project, traffic movement was restored within 18 hours, demonstrating the efficiency of the administration’s response. He clarified that while debris had fallen on an arch section of the project, neither the bridge nor the tunnel suffered structural damage.

Describing the Connecting Link as an engineering milestone, Fadnavis said the project includes one of the world’s largest tunnels and India’s tallest cable-stayed bridge. He credited the Mahayuti government with successfully executing the ambitious project, adding that it has significantly reduced accidents and traffic congestion across the Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

In an emotional address, Fadnavis said he was accustomed to personal criticism but would not tolerate attempts to defame Maharashtra. “You may defame me, I am used to criticism. But do not insult Maharashtra,” he said, adding that the infrastructure would continue to serve the state for decades regardless of political debates.

The Chief Minister also alleged that certain individuals were deliberately spreading misleading information about the project on social media for political motives. Issuing a stern warning, he stated that any attempt to malign Maharashtra’s reputation through false propaganda would not be tolerated.

Fadnavis further announced that the government would implement a new safety framework aimed at preventing landslides and enhancing protection measures along vulnerable sections of the expressway during the monsoon season.

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