Devendra Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis, aka Deva Bhau… Today, this name is once again echoing within the BJP in Maharashtra politics. Be it setting the narrative in elections or holding rallies for candidates, Fadnavis is the frontrunner. Some now call Fadnavis the chief representative of the BJP.
It is said that, as in 2014, if the BJP forms the government in 2024, Fadnavis may become the chief minister. Fadnavis, who is currently the deputy chief minister, was the chief minister of Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Modi took the stage to speak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called all candidates to the stage after talking to people at the Dhule rally. In the meantime, Devendra Fadnavis is still sitting, PM Modi said to this, Fadnavis ji, you are also coming forward… you are also campaigning .
Later, Devendra Fadnavis came forward to greet people. A video clip of it went viral on social media. At the same time, Modi’s remarks are also being refined for political significance.
Shah calls for victory
At a rally in Pipuri Chinchwad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people to let Mahayutty and Devendra Fadnavis win. Addressing the people, Shah said: “Let Mahayuti win, let Fadnavis win.”
Shah’s statement is being discussed in Maharashtra political circles for two reasons. The first reason is that Devendra Fadnavis was not contesting as MLA from where Shah announced the decision and did not have any political affiliation.
The second reason was recently announced by the BJP. Shah said the chief minister will be decided after the assembly elections. In such a situation, Shah promoted the name of Fadnavis in this way. Incidentally, it is said that after the formation of the government, the chief minister’s post can be filled by Fadnavis.
But the question is how did Fadnavis gain the upper hand?
Devendra Fadnavis was targeted after the BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. There was talk of removing him from the chair. Fadnavis also resigned, but now Fadnavis is once again the frontrunner for the chief ministership in the elections. Under such circumstances, the question arises, how could Fadnavis, who was originally on the back foot, gain the upper hand so quickly?
1. The BJP has no tough face
In Maharashtra, the BJP has no stronger face in the entire state than Devendra Fadnavis. Nitin Gadkari and Vinod Tawde are certainly popular in most parts of the state, but the two are currently only active in central politics.
Caste was also a factor favored by Fadnavis. He hails from the Brahmin community, which accounts for 8 to 10 per cent of Maharashtra’s population. The BJP hopes to retain its core voters.
2. Leaders who are good at managing alliances
Politics in Maharashtra currently revolves around alliances. Recently Amit Shah had said that he would form a government jointly in 2024 and alone in 2029. That said, in order to form the government, the BJP still needs a universally acceptable face of the Maharashtra alliance.
Fadnavis is perfect for this slot. Fadnavis was instrumental in bringing Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde into the NDA. Within the Maharashtra BJP, he is known as the new-age Sharad Pawar.
3. RSS Background, held in Delhi
Devendra Fadnavis started his political career from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of RSS. In 1997, he was appointed as the Mayor of Nagpur. Two years later, in 1999, he contested the Nagpur West Assembly elections for the first time. He entered the House of Representatives by winning this seat.
Devendra Fadnavis was appointed President of Maharashtra by the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2013 Lok Sabha elections. Under the leadership of Fadnavis, the party performed well in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. In 2014, when it was the turn to form the government, the BJP high command handed over the reins to Fadnavis. Fadnavis is believed to have a strong hold in Delhi.
