A fresh verbal showdown has erupted in Maharashtra politics as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut slammed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other state leaders for attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, dubbing it a lavish "picnic in the snow." Amruta Fadnavis, wife of the CM and a noted public figure, wasted no time in firing back, calling the criticism misguided and emphasizing the trip's focus on securing investments for the state.

Raut, a vocal opposition critic, took aim at the multi-state delegation's Swiss jaunt, asking why chief ministers were globe-trotting while issues like Mumbai's mayoral elections remained unresolved. He demanded transparency on expenses and dismissed Davos as "ridiculous" for Indians, suggesting business deals could happen domestically without the fanfare. This latest salvo follows the Mahayuti alliance's recent BMC poll victory, intensifying scrutiny on Fadnavis's global engagements.

In a pointed response to reporters, Amruta Fadnavis rejected Raut's jibe outright. "My husband isn't in Davos for a picnic—he's in back-to-back meetings from dawn till late night, pitching Maharashtra to global investors for jobs and growth," she stated firmly. Her rebuttal highlights Davos as a proven arena for states to forge economic ties, countering claims of extravagance with examples of past investment wins.

The World Economic Forum has sparked similar debates yearly in India, with states touting MoUs while opposition cries foul over optics. Maharashtra, positioning itself as an investment hub, sees Fadnavis's participation as strategic amid economic headwinds—yet Raut's barbs tap into wider taxpayer concerns. As the CM returns, the real test will be tangible outcomes versus ongoing rhetoric.