Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 23 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that there is no vote theft and the opposition is trying to defame Maharashtra in Bihar, reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'vote chori' allegations on the Election Commission.

The Chief Minister celebrated the Raksha Bandhan Function with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) women workers in Mumbai. Fadnavis received thousands of rakhis and reaffirmed his government's commitment to women's empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said, 'There is no vote chori, in fact, I will say their (opposition) minds have been stolen... They are trying to defame Maharashtra in Bihar. But whatever they do, they can defame us neither in Bihar nor abroad.'

He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi got a large number of votes from our sisters.

Calling the celebration a special one, the Chief Minister said, 'This function is beautiful and emotional. I have received 36 lakh and 78k Rakhis. I always wanna this kind of affection from my sisters. Every Rakhi is full of love & emotion. We believe in family.'

He expressed gratitude towards women supporters, saying, 'Nobody can do anything against me because your love is with me. Your blessings are my strength. I got an opportunity to be CM because I am here to serve you.'

Fadnavis praised the contribution of women in national service and politics. 'When Operation Sindoor was going on, our two female army officers used to hold conferences. PM Modi has also given a special opportunity to women in the Parliament of the nation.'

Looking ahead, he asserted that women would play a central role in shaping India's future. 'From 2029, you (women) will be in power in our nation.'

Fadnavis also spoke about India's economic ambitions, stating, 'In the upcoming 20 years, India must be the 1st or 2nd largest economy in the world.' He highlighted Maharashtra's role, saying, 'Maharashtra is the 1st state in the Lakhpati Didi scheme. Not a single scheme will stop until we are in government.' (ANI)