BJP CM story takes a new twist: Gadkari to get top post in Maharashtra?

, Oct 22:

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Devendra Fadnavis was a front-runner to become the chief minister of the state even two days back. But things took a twist on Tuesday when former state BJP chief and a member of the party's core committee Sudhir Mungantiwar said the BJP was thinking of placing senior BJP leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari at the helm of affairs in Maharashtra.

According to reports, Mungantiwar said it was surprising to see Gadkari saying he was more interested in Delhi for the party feels his experience in administration could come handy if he heads the government in Maharashtra. Gadkari, a former president of the BJP, is also close to the Sangh Parivar.

Apart from Gadkari, the Maharashtra BJP has three contenders for the chief minister's post at the moment, including Fadnavis, former leader of opposition in assembly Eknath Khadse and former leader of opposition in legislative council Vinod Tawde.

If Gadkari doesn't return to Maharashtra, will Mungantiwar himself emerge in the race for the CM's post? He is known to enjoy more support of the Sangh Parivar than Fadnavis.

Sources in the BJP said that if Gadkari doesn't return to Maharashtra, then Mungantiwar could emerge as the dark horse in the race for the top post. Also, Gadkari and Mungantiwar enjoy larger support of the Sangh pariwar than Fadnavis, claimed sources. However, the final call would be taken by the central leadership led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP and its alliances won 123 seats in the recently concluded assembly election in Maharashtra.

Oneindia News