In the wake of the BJP's disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections, Devendra Fadnavis has offered his resignation as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister. He aims to take responsibility for the party's results and shift his focus to strengthening the BJP ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The former Chief Minister has requested the BJP leadership to relieve him of his current responsibilities. During a media briefing, Fadnavis stated, "I take responsibility for the results in Maharashtra. I was leading the party, and I am asking the BJP high command to relieve me from government duties so I can dedicate my efforts to the party for the forthcoming elections."

Fadnavis emphasized the need for time to concentrate on party strategies ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled for later this year.

Earlier today, the BJP's Maharashtra unit convened a meeting to dissect the party's electoral performance. The session included Fadnavis, state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and other senior leaders. The BJP-led NDA had aimed for 45 seats in Maharashtra but fell significantly short.

The BJP secured only nine Lok Sabha seats in the state, marking a decrease of 14 seats from their 2019 tally. Along with their allies—the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP—the NDA won 17 out of 48 seats.

In stark contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition exceeded expectations, capturing 30 seats. The Congress saw a significant increase, winning 13 seats compared to just one in 2019. The Shiv Sena (UBT) secured nine seats, while the NCP, under Sharadchandra Pawar, won eight.

Back in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had emerged victorious in 23 seats in Maharashtra, making this year's results a notable setback.