Mumbai’s political circles were set abuzz after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made sensational claims about Maharashtra’s official Chief Minister’s residence, Varsha Bungalow. Speaking to the media in Nashik on Tuesday, Raut alleged that black magic rituals had been performed at the bungalow, claiming this was the reason Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refuses to move in, despite holding office for several months.
According to Raut, Fadnavis has expressed his reluctance to move in at Varsha Bungalow, allegedly stating, “Even if I shift there, I won’t spend the night.” This has fuelled speculation as to why, despite being the designated residence for Maharashtra’s CM, Fadnavis continues to reside at Sagar Bungalow. “The official CM residence holds symbolic importance for Maharashtra. Why is our beloved CM avoiding it,” Raut questioned.
Taking the controversy a step further, Raut claimed that buffalo horns, supposedly from animals sacrificed at Guwahati’s Kamakhya Temple, were buried in the bungalow’s lawn. “While we don’t believe in superstitions, whispers among Varsha’s staff suggest these horns are enchanted. They were allegedly buried with the intention to prevent any new Chief Minister from holding on to power for long,” said Raut.
Such claims have naturally triggered a storm in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with critics slamming the alleged mix of politics and superstition. “Maharashtra is a progressive state with a rich history of reformers like Mahatma Phule, Sant Gadge Baba, and Prabodhankar Thackeray, who fought against superstition. Are we really discussing black magic in today’s politics,” Raut added, taking a swipe at the current administration.
While a response from the Chief Minister is awaited, Shiv Sena leader (Shinde camp) and Maharashtra cabinet minister Dada Bhuse said, “It seems the person who gives morning gyan everyday is well versed with black magic and tricks related to it. He has no point to talk about issues related to people, so he’s making such comments. When to move into Varsha Bungalow is the decision of the Maharashtra CM and soon he will decide and move in.”
While Raut’s comments have caught media attention, they come at a time when the political environment in Maharashtra is already tense. Speculation is rife about Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s growing discontent. Shinde, who played a key role in the government’s formation, has been notably absent from several key meetings, including recent cabinet discussions, where he participated only via video conferencing. Adding to the intrigue, Shinde also skipped important sessions on urban development and water supply. With another cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday, all eyes are on whether he will attend, as political circles continue to buzz with theories about his dissatisfaction.
Whether rooted in political maneuvering, superstition, or personal preferences, the mystery surrounding Varsha Bungalow adds yet another layer to Maharashtra’s ever-dynamic political narrative. While Raut’s claims may sound bizarre, they’ve successfully shifted the spotlight, sparking debates on not just governance but the curious intersection of tradition and politics in one of India’s most progressive states. As the state awaits official reactions, one thing is certain — Varsha Bungalow is now more than just a residence, it has become the epicentre of Maharashtra’s latest political drama.
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