Watch: Devendra Fadnavis' old "main wapis aunga" video goes viral after being selected as next Maharashtra CM

As BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis stakes claim to become new Chief Minister of Maharashtra, an old video of Fadnavis has gone viral on social media. In 2019, Devendra Fadnavis made a memorable statement in the assembly. "Mera paani utarta dekh mere kinare pe ghar mat basa lena. Main samandar hun laut kar wapis aaunga," he said, which roughly translates to, “Don’t build a house on my shore after seeing my water receding. I am an ocean, I will come back.”


Those words have stuck with many, as Fadnavis is now preparing to fulfill his promise, just days away from returning to the chief minister's chair of Maharashtra.

Devendra Fadnavis known as Deva Bhau

Devendra Fadnavis, affectionately known as "Deva Bhau" in Maharashtra, has been a dominant force in the state's politics. But his journey to the top hasn’t been smooth. Just five months ago, after the BJP’s poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Fadnavis offered to resign as Deputy Chief Minister, taking full responsibility for the loss. The BJP's seat count in Maharashtra had dropped dramatically, from 23 in 2019 to just 9 in 2024.

Despite the setback, Fadnavis’ leadership has proven invaluable in the state assembly elections. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance clinched 240 seats, far surpassing the majority mark of 145. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena’s 57 and NCP’s 41. Analysts believe Fadnavis’ strategic campaigning, his allies' support, and the backing of the RSS played a significant role in the victory.

Fadnavis, a Deshastha Brahmin from Vidarbha, is a seasoned politician with a remarkable rise. At just 21, he became the youngest corporator in Nagpur, and at 27, the youngest mayor. By 2013, he was elected state BJP president and went on to serve as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019.

While his first term as Chief Minister ended abruptly in 2019, Fadnavis didn’t stay down for long. In 2022, he took on the role of Deputy Chief Minister under Eknath Shinde’s leadership. But now, with the BJP's victory in the assembly elections, Fadnavis is on the verge of fulfilling his promise: a return to the CM post.

Known for his sharp political instincts, Fadnavis has always been a fighter. His journey is a testament to his resilience and determination, and now, as he heads back to the top, his earlier words seem to have come full circle. "I will come back," he said—and it looks like he’s about to do just that.