Amid speculation about his potential move to national politics, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded briefly to the ongoing rumors. When asked about the talks of him taking up a leadership position in New Delhi, Fadnavis dismissed the speculations by mentioning his recent visit to Delhi. The political atmosphere in Maharashtra has been charged, with the Opposition suggesting that the BJP might shift Fadnavis to the Centre.
The latest round of rumors was sparked by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who predicted the future leadership scenario in the state. Raut suggested that if Fadnavis were to move to the Centre, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule could be a likely successor as Chief Minister. He emphasized Bawankule’s leadership qualities and Fadnavis’s potential recommendation of him.
Raut also ruled out the possibility of Eknath Shinde returning as Chief Minister and criticized Girish Mahajan’s political record. He sarcastically wished Fadnavis success if he were to move to Delhi and aim for the highest office. Raut’s remarks echoed earlier statements made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray during a legislative assembly session, where Thackeray had indicated that this might be Fadnavis’s final term as Chief Minister.
While the Opposition continues to discuss a potential leadership change, Fadnavis’s concise response suggests that the current focus remains on state matters. Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also clarified that the recent rumors were baseless and emphasized the people’s desire for Fadnavis to continue as Chief Minister until 2034, highlighting the need for a stable leadership in Maharashtra.
