Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Fadnavis Slams Opposition for Avoiding Debate With Amit Shah
The leader of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, is upset with the Opposition members who argue against the government.
He said they are acting like 'fugitives,' people who run away from something they do not want to face.
They were supposed to have a big debate in Parliament with Amit Shah, an important national leader.
Fadnavis said the Opposition is avoiding the debate because it would show they are not telling the truth.
He also talked about students in the state of Jharkhand who have been protesting for more than two weeks.
The students think their government exams were unfair and want the JSSC-CGL exam cancelled.
Some students broke through police barriers while marching to the state Assembly in Ranchi.
Police sprayed water cannons to try to stop them.
The government said it would create a committee of experts from famous schools such as the IITs and IIMs to make the exams fairer.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the Opposition of 'acting like fugitives' for avoiding a debate with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Fadnavis said the Opposition runs away from debate because a discussion would expose its 'duplicity.'
Fadnavis linked the issue to ongoing Jharkhand protests by JPSC and JSSC aspirants over alleged examination irregularities.
Protesters marching toward the state Assembly in Ranchi breached police barricades and were met with water cannons.
The government proposed an expert committee with representatives from IITs, IIMs, XLRI and the Indian School of Mines to reform the recruitment system.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Opposition, and JPSC/JSSC aspirants protesting in Jharkhand.
- What
- Fadnavis accused the Opposition of avoiding a debate with Amit Shah, linking it to ongoing Jharkhand protests over examination irregularities and demands for recruitment reforms.
- When
- Thursday, August 13, 2026; the Jharkhand protests have been underway for more than two weeks.
- Where
- Mumbai (where Fadnavis made his remarks) and Ranchi, Jharkhand (near the state Assembly).
- Why
- Fadnavis says the Opposition avoids the debate because it would expose its 'duplicity' and its silence on the concerns of Jharkhand's youth.
Government's Stand
Opposition and Protesters' Stand
Debate with Amit Shah
Government's Stand
Fadnavis says the Opposition demanded the debate but is now running away; a discussion would expose their 'duplicity.'
Opposition and Protesters' Stand
According to Fadnavis, the Opposition initially excused itself, claiming Amit Shah was not responding, until he confirmed in writing that he was ready to reply.
Jharkhand examination protests
Government's Stand
Fadnavis accuses the Opposition of ignoring the Jharkhand protests and the state government of failing the youth; the government has proposed an expert committee to make exams more transparent.
Opposition and Protesters' Stand
JPSC and JSSC aspirants allege examination irregularities and demand cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam; protesters marched to the state Assembly despite barricades and water cannons.
- Speaker
- Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister
- Criticism target
- The Opposition
- Debate partner
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- Remarks made in
- Mumbai
- Date
- Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Jharkhand protest duration
- More than two weeks
- Protesters' demand
- Cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and recruitment system reforms
- Proposed reform
- Expert committee with representatives from IITs, IIMs, XLRI and the Indian School of Mines