Clamour for Gadkari as CM grows, minister says 'happy' in Delhi
While party's state unit chief Devendra Fadnavis emerged as the frontrunner for the chief minister's post after overcoming possible challenges from other party veterans like Eknath Khadse and Vinod Tawde. But now he may have to deal with Gadkari's potential challenge as well.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is within striking distance of power in Maharashtra and contenders for the chief minister's post in the state are springing up. While party's state unit chief Devendra Fadnavis is widely believed to be the frontrunner, there are indications that Union minister Nitin Gadkari could also be in the race. And that would be enough discomfiture for Fadnavis, considering Gadkari reportedly has support of 44 BJP MLAs in the state.
According to sources, a group of newly-elected legislators of the party met Gadkari in Nagpur and urged him to lead the state. Party insiders said the lobbying clearly indicated Gadkari could well be in the contention for the top job in Maharashtra.
Both Fadnavis and Gadkari are from Nagpur and both enjoy the confidence of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Fadnavis emerged as the frontrunner for the chief minister's post after overcoming possible challenges from other party veterans like Eknath Khadse and Vinod Tawde. But now he may have to deal with Gadkari's potential challenge as well.
On Tuesday Gadkari met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the latter's residence in Delhi. They reportedly discussed the choices available for government formation in Maharashtra. After the meeting, Gadkari left for Nagpur to hold discussions with RSS top brass on possible options.
Meanwhile, the proposed meeting of the newly-elected BJP MLAs in Mumbai to elect their leader in the Assembly has been postponed as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who was appointed as an observer, decided to travel to Maharashtra capital later. "I am not going now. I think I will visit Mumbai after Diwali," Singh told reporters in Delhi. He was to be accompanied by BJP general secretary J.P. Nadda.
While speculation is rife as to who will be the next chief minister, the BJP on Tuesday indicated that it is in no hurry to decide on the possible ally to form the government. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has already offered 'outside support' to the party. Former ally Shiv Sena has indicated that it is not averse to supporting BJP. However, BJP is keeping all the options open as to whose support it will accept to occupy the Mantralaya in Mumbai
Sources said it is very unlikely that BJP will blink first in its developing battle of nerves with the Shiv Sena. Party insiders said the Sangh is keen that the saffron forces should unite, but has left it to the BJP to decide. Sources added that the party is not ready to yield to Shiv Sena's demands, if they decide to go together once again. If the Sena has to offer support to BJP then it must be unconditional, BJP sources said. On its part the Shiv Sena has deputed two senior leaders for discussions with BJP leadership. Rajya Sabha member Anil Desai and senior Sena leader Subhash Desai arrived in Delhi for discussions with BJP leaders.
Observers say that in case Sena's support is not sought, BJP may still form the government and prove its majority on the floor of the House, with NCP abstaining. This option will help the party to maintain its dignity as it will not have to seek the support of NCP. Several NCP leaders are facing corruption charges and BJP will not like to be embarrassed by counting on NCP support.
In the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, BJP has won 122 seats, 23 short of a majority. Sena, which has emerged as the second largest party, bagged 63 seats. NCP has 41 in its kitty.