Amid talk that the BJP’s Maharashtra unit president Devendra Fadnavis could be party’s chief ministerial choice, there is growing unease among the supporters of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
According to sources within and outside the party, Mr. Gadkari is not comfortable at the prospect of Mr. Fadnavis becoming Chief Minister.
BJP could not win Nagpur Lok Sabha seat for years except once because Mr. Gadkari didn't want another power centre in Nagpur.
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According to political observers in Nagpur, unless Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands firmly by Mr. Fadnavis, he has no chance as Mr. Gadkari has already began working on ways to block his candidature.
Rajive Potdar, BJP Nagpur rural president, who resigned three days ago, blaming Mr. Fadnavis for mismanagement of Savner Lok Sabha seat, is considered close to Mr. Gadkari. Today he has planed a grand welcome for himself at Nagpur airport.
Observers see possibility of Mr. Gadkari playing ‘Brahmin card’ to prevent ascent of Mr. Fadnavis. Both Mr. Gadkari and Mr. Fadnavis are Brahmins.
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Mr. Gadkari could argue that in a politically and socially evolved State like Maharashtra it does not pay politically to have an upper caste Chief Minister.
The Union Minister would rather prefer Manguntiwar, Ballarpur MLA, considered close to him.