Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday claimed that Pakistan is attempting to “assert its presence” through proxy attacks, suggesting that the recent explosion in Delhi may be part of that strategy.

Speaking to ANI, Fadnavis said Pakistan “knows it cannot defeat India in a direct fight,” and therefore resorts to “pseudo-war tactics,” including terror activities on Indian soil.

“Pakistan now knows it cannot win in a direct confrontation. So it wages a proxy war. With the explosion in Delhi, it attempted to assert its presence once again,” he said, adding that Indian agencies had pre-empted wider terror plans targeting multiple cities, including Mumbai.

Fadnavis further claimed that the groups behind the Delhi blast had intended to “detonate bombs in every corner of India.”

“I’m glad today India is different. Our agencies sensed the threat and carried out operations. When they were hit directly, they tried to show their presence by triggering an explosion in Delhi,” he added.

The Centre, however, has neither confirmed nor denied Pakistan’s involvement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the probe is underway and assured that those responsible would be traced “even if they hide in pataal (netherworld).”

Drawing comparisons with past terror strikes, Fadnavis said earlier governments failed to take decisive action, leading to tragedies such as the 26 civilian deaths in Pahalgam.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for authorising cross-border operations such as “Operation Sindoor,” claiming it showcased India’s strength and changed the global perception of the country.

What happened on November 10

At least 15 people were killed after a powerful explosion tore through a Hyundai i20 near the Lal Quila Metro Station.

Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate victims suffered extensive internal injuries, including ruptured lungs, eardrums, and abdominal organs, along with multiple fractures and head trauma—suggesting they were hurled against hard surfaces by the blast wave.