Maharashtra: Raut Claims Fadnavis Set For Union Role, Bawankule To Be Next CM
The remarks come amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change within the ruling Mahayuti alliance: Reports
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would soon be inducted into the Union cabinet and that Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule would succeed him as the state’s CM. He also asserted that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would not return to the top post.
Similar claims had earlier been made by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Aaditya Thackeray. Mr. Fadnavis, however, dismissed the speculation.
The remarks come amid intense speculation over a possible leadership change within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Ruling out Mr. Shinde'’s return as Chief Minister, Mr. Raut discerned Mr. Bawankule as a leader who knows how to maintain dialogue and manage people effectively.
Mr. Raut further said a Marathi leader assuming a senior national role would be a matter of pride. “If Mr. Fadnavis becomes the Prime Minister before 2029, we will be happy, and as a fellow Marathi, we extend our best wishes to him. Uddhav Thackeray has also extended his wishes,” he said.
Mr. Raut also claimed that the BJP would not remain in power after the 2029 Lok Sabha election. “Whatever moves Mr. Fadnavis wants to make, he should do them before 2029,” he added.
Earlier, Aaditya Thackeray had suggested that the BJP’s central leadership was planning to shift Mr. Fadnavis to New Delhi permanently. He claimed that the recently concluded State legislature session would be the Chief Minister’s last in the state.
Responding to the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s claims that he was moving to Delhi, Mr. Fadnavis laughed and said, “I visited Delhi the day before yesterday and came back.”
Mr. Bawankule also termed the claims made by Mr. Raut as “baseless assumptions”. “Currently, the rumor market is buzzing. One such rumour was planted today. It is as clear as daylight that the 14 crore citizens of Maharashtra want “inframan” Mr. Fadnavis to serve as the Chief Minister until 2034 to ensure the vision of a developed Maharashtra. No one should be in a hurry to become the Chief Minister,” the revenue minister said.
