BJP projects Munde as next chief minister

Mumbai, Aug 9 (UNI) The BJP today, on the occasion of its ''chale jaon'' agitation against the NCP-Congress government in the state to coincide with the anniversary of the Quit India movement, chose to project party general secretary Gopinath Munde as the future chief minister of Maharashtra.

Late party general secretary Pramod Mahajan's daughter Poonam, who also addressed the gathering on the occasion of the BJP's ''chale jaon'' agitation, said Mr Munde should be the chief minister in 2009.

Incidentally, state BJP president Nitin Gadkari too has described Mr Munde as the next chief minister.

''That Mr Munde should be the chief minister, is our firm desire,'' BJP spokesman Madhav Bhandari said speaking on the occasion.

Incidentally, Shiv Sena executive president has reiterated that the next chief minister would belong to the Sena. Mr Bhandari, however, refused to comment on this and its implications on the continuance of the alliance.

UNI