'Only in media...' Fadnavis dodges question on being next BJP president

Mumbai: Amid strong indications and reports that Devendra Fadnavis will become the next BJP President, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister evaded a direct reply to the question saying that the issue is being discussed only in the media.

“This discussion (about becoming the BJP President) has been started only by the media…and, this is only being discussed in the media,” Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur, his home town.

Over the past few weeks, there have been discussions in political circles in Maharashtra, New Delhi and even in BJP ranks and files that Fadnavis is set to become the next BJP chief in place of JP Nadda, who has completed his term.

A five-time MLA from Nagpur, Fadnavis (54) is a two-time Chief Minister and former Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.

Fadnavis has a strong backing of BJP’s fountainhead RSS, is in the good books of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and enjoys good relationship with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The speculations gathered steam after his recent visit to New Delhi, when Fadnavis, his banker-social worker wire Amruta and daughter Divija called on Modi.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi's blessings have always been and will always be with Maharashtra. Every time I meet him, I get new energy and his guidance. Today I got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi with my family. My wife, Amrita and daughter, Divya, were with me. I am very grateful to Prime Minister Modi for giving me his valuable time,” he posted photos and wrote on X on 28 July.

With Nadda joining the third edition of the Modi government as the Health Minister, the BJP is looking for a replacement.

During the BJP’s Chief Minister’s conclave, during the photo-op, he was seen sitting in the front row with Modi and senior CMs of the party.

Fadnavis is surely a frontrunner for the top organisational job of the BJP though there are around half a dozen names.